OFFICIAL  LETTERS 

• 

A  W    £  r  e  at     /2 


OF   THE 


JGIAT&Rt  AKB  NAT  All 


UNITED  STATES, 


DUKIlfG  THE 


IN  THE  YEARS  1812,  13,  14,  &  15. 


WITH    SOME   ADDITIONAL    LETTERS    AND    DOCUMENT?? 
ELUCIDATING  THE  HISTORY  OF  THAT  PERIOD. 


COLLECTED  AND  ARIU.NC.E1D    ,  ,  ,  -,     ,',,    , 

BY  JOHN  BRANNAR 


BY  WAT  &  GIDEON,  FOB*  THE 


1823, 

i 


DISTRICT  OF  COLUMBIA,  to  wit: 

BE  IT  REMEMBERED,   That  on   the  sixth  day  of   „.-,, 

in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  twenty-three, 
and  of  the  Independence  of  the  United  States  of  America,  the  forty- 
seventh,  JOHN  BRANNAN,  of  the  said  District,  hath  deposited  in  the  office  of  the 
Clerk  of  the  District  Court  for  the  District  of  Columbia,  the  title  of  a  bouk,  the  right 
whereof  he  claims  as  proprietor  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Official  Letters  of  the  Military  and  Naval  Officers  of  the  United  States  during 
(h«  War  with  Great  Britain  in  the  year*  1812,  1813,  1814,  and  1815,  with  some  ad 
ditional  Letters  and  Documents,  elucidating  the  history  of  that  period,  collected  and 
arranged  by  JOHN  BKANNAN." 

In  conformity  to  the  act  of  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  entitled  "  An  Act 
for  the  encouragement  of  learning,  by  securing  the  copies  of  maps,  charts  and 
books,  to  the  authors  and  proprietors  of  such  copies  during  the  times  therein  men 
tioned,"  and  also  to  the^act,  entitled  le  An  Act  supplementary  to  an  act,  entitled 
"  An  Act  for  the  encouragement  of  learning,  by  securing  the  copies  of  maps, 
charts,  and  books,  to  the  authors  and  proprietors  of  such  copies  during  the  times 
therein  mentioned,"  and  extending  the  benefits  thereof  to  the  arts  ot  designing, 
engraving,  and  etching  historical  and  other  prints." 

•  ••,.,  JN  TESTIMONY  WHEREOF,  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand,  and 

*•  .*  stffi^y  ^h®  public  seal  of  my  office,  the  day  and  year  aforesaid. 

"     .  EDMUND  I.  LEE, 

!•'•/"••      :    /.  CVrk  of  the  District  Court  for  the  District  of  Columbia. 


24 


AT  the  termination  of  the  late  war  between  the  United  States 
find  Great  Britain,  it  frequently  occurred  to  the  editor  that  it  would 
t>e  performing  a  useful  service  to  his  country,  to  collect  and  pub 
lish  all  the  important  official  letters  of  the  American  officers,  to 
preserve  them  to  the  rising  and  to  future  generations ;  having 
himself  frequently  regretted  the  impossibility  of  obtaining  access 
to  the  letters  of  the  officers  of  our  revolution,  with  very  few 
exceptions.  He  delayed  the  task  from  time  to  time,  in  conse 
quence  of  the  great  labour  attending  it ;  he  has,  at  length,  com 
pleted  the  work  which  is  now  presented  to  the  patronage  of  the 
public. 

.  A  part  of  these  letters  were  copied  from,  and  many  of  th« 
others  compared  with,  the  originals  on  file  in  the  War  and  Navy 
Departments ;  those  taken  from  the  official  public  documents  and 
the  National  Intelligencer,  were  found  to  be  uniformly  correct. 

It  was  deemed  proper  to  commence  the  work  with  Ihe  Presi 
dent's  message  and  the  report  of  the  committee  of  foreign  rela 
tions,  showing  the  causes  of  the  war ;  to  embody  in  the  work 
some  historical  documents ;  and  conclude  with  the  treaty  of  peace, 
forming  in  a  measure,  a  documentary  history  from  its  commence 
ment  to  its  termination. 

The  young  men  of  America  now  advanced,  and  advancing,  to 
manhood,  must  be  highly  gratified  in  perusing  this  volume ;  they 
will  there  see  their  fathers,  their  brothers,  and  their  friends,  in 
their  true  colours,  in  the  most  trying  times.  The  names  of  those 
valuable  men  who  have  shed  their  blood  in  defence  of  their 
country,  in  whatsoever  station,  ought  to  be  inscribed  on  the  roll 
of  fame,  held  up  to  general  imitation,  and  handed  down  to  pos 
terity  for  their  admiration.  The  highest  honours  are  due  to 
those  whose  bravery  repelled  the  savage  and  the  civilized  foe, 
both  by  sea  and  land  ;  whose  undaunted  valour  and  heroism  was 
never  excelled  in  the  proudest  days  of  the  ancient  republics. 

To  the  officers  of  the  army  and  navy,  (to  whom  it  is  most 
respectfully  dedicated)  it  is  presumed  this  volume  will  prove  truly 
acceptable. 


yt 


V 

TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 

1813. 

Jane,  Pieudmt  Madisoa?Hm« stage  to  Coagrgss,^... 3 

Report  of  the  Committee  of  FcKeicn  Relations,.- IS 

Attdedarint  war,  with  the  Yeas  end  Nayv- » 

Pe»rB,Portr  ,  ro  Major  Mullany^. 39 

Major  Mullenj  to  Major  General  HalU...... 90 

July.  General  Hull's  proclamation  at  Sandwich, 30 

General  Wilkinson^  general  oider  at  New  Orleans,. ....... 93 

C.:.-  :  C-^:. •  i- .-?-..  H .:'..,  S.i..  -..:- vj 

Capture  of  Mkhilimackinac  [British  account,].. 33 

A«C**»  L»trtMm«  Hank*'  account  c;  34 

General  H«D  to  Secretary  of  War....  96 

General  Hull — Surrender  of  Detroit,  &c~~ 99 

t-:-    :       .   ;..    .'#  .1  :;.-..-.•:  .:::•;—..:       -.:;.;- 4* 

Colonel  Cass' account  of  dino, 56 

C.v.'-.v..-   : '.-•::•:  —  Csr:.::    of%l  A'.ev: 44 

Captain  HuU— Capture  of  the  G uerriere,.. 49 

Ctuisv* 53 

, 54 


General  Harrison  to  ditto, 5S 

General  Harrison  to  Governor  Shelby,. 56 

tain  Taylor— Defence  of  Fort  H*rrisou,~...  61 

Ue«tea*ja  Ha«ilto*--Deie*c*  of  Fort  Madison, 63 

Octob.   Commodore  B*n*jr-Curis*  in  Schooner  Rossie 85 

LtartMUft  Elliot— Capture  of  UM  Detroit  and  Caledonia,....^....  66 

?     retary  oftneNavy  to  UeutMuint  EUiot,^ *T 

i--:    ::,     r  ..:•:-:•:  :     «-•=    :  :  .V.  H        -       :   > 

General  Van  Rensselaer— Battle  of  Queenstown 

Coioml  Newman'*  Indian  Expedition, 73 

Captain  Heald — massacre  at  Ckicaco, S4 

Major  Ywtnc-^ffkuat  Si.  Re^is, 86 

lore  Decatur— Capture  of  the  Macedonian.. 87 

:. .  c.:  .'..  ;       ^  •.•  :1\ .-: SS 

Rodger*— Capture  of  the  Swallow,  fcc^ 89 

i  Cnaunce j  attacks  the  Royal  George,  — 90 

Captain  Jones -Capture  of  the  Frolic 9$ 

Colonel  Me.  Feelj— attack  on  Fort  Niagara 99 

General  Hopkin.*— expedition  on  the  Wabash,., 95 

Pec**.  General  Smyth— affairs  at  Buffalo,^,.., eT— 101 

Colonel  Campbell— Mississineway  Campaign, 104 

General  Harrison  and  Colonel  Campbell  on  ditto, U>9,110 

General  Peter  B.  Porter  to  the  Public, 105 

1813. 

JanVy.  Commodore  Bainbridfe— Capture  of  the  Jara, 113 

Minutes  of  the  Action  with  the  Java, 499 

Major  Mullany  and  General  Van  Renswlac: U9  i:  121 

Qeneral  Hamsoft—Captiin  of  General  Winches!  c  K-' 


CONTENTS.  a 

P8?e. 

Jan'y.    Isaac  Day  to  Geneva!  Hanison, •• 124 

Colonel  Lewis — Battle  near    Frenchtown, 128 

Major  M'Clanehan — Battle   at  the  River   Raisin, 130 

General  Winchester's  account  of  his  capture, 132 

Febr'y.  Secretary  of  War's  Plan  of  the  Northern  Campaign, 

M assacre  at  Frenchto wn, 

Major    Forsyth — Capture  of  Ogdensburg, 

President  M adison's  Messsage  to  Congress, 136 

March.  General  Dearborn — expected  attack  on  Sackett's  Harbour, 137 

General  Harrison — affairs  in  the  North-West, 138 

objects  to  the  Plan  of  the  Campaign, 139 

Captain  Lawrence — Captureof  the  Peacock, 141 

April.     General  Pike's  General  Order, 144 

Commodore  Chauncey  and  General  Dearborn — Capture  of  York  146 

May.      General  Harrison — Capture  of  General  Clay's  Detachment,....  149 

Captain  S.  H.  Moore  on  the  Capture  of  York, 151 

General  Harrison — Attack  on  Fort  Meigs,  General  Order  and 

Siege  of  Fort  Meigs, '. 149 fe 152 

General  Clay's  account  of  his  disaster, 158 

General  Boyd's  Brigade  Orders, 160  &  162 

General  Dearborn — Capture  of  Fort  George, •  161 

General  Brown — Attack  on  Sackett's  Harbour, 163 

June.      General  Dearborn — Capture  of  Generals  Chandler  and  Winder,  164 

Lieutenant  Allen — from  L'Orient,   (Fiance,) 16* 

General  Lewis — Capture  of  Generals  Chandler  and  Winder,....  165 

Lieutenant  Budd — Capture  of  the  Chesapeake, 16? 

Midshipmen  Berry  and  Weaver  on  ditto, 1?9 

Lieutenant  Chauncey — Capture  of  the  Lady  Murray, 169 

General  Chandler  on  the  Affair  at  Stony  Creek, 169 

Captain  Cassin — Attack  on  Craney  Island, 171-2 

General  Dearborn — Affair  at  the  Beaver  Dams, 173 

Captain  Angus — Flotilla  in  the  Delaware, 174 

July.      Commodore  Porter — Affairs  in  the  Pacific, 175 

August,  General  Harrison  and  Major  Croghan — Defence  of  Fort  Sandusky  18 1-4 

Plan  of  Campaign  submitted  to  General  Wilkinson, 186 

Correspondence  with  General  Wilkinson  on  ditto, 187 

Secretary  of  War  at  Sackett's  Harbour  to  General  Wilkinson,..  193 

Genera]  Harrison  to  Governor  Meigs  on  the  Campaign, 194 

Commodore  Chauncey  attempts  to  bring  Sir  James  to  action,....  195 

Sailing  Master  Sheads'  account  of  his  Capture, 198 

General  Boyd — skirmishing  with  the  Enemy, 199 

Captain  Dent — Capture  of  the  Dominico,  &c 201 

General  Boyd-^-skirmishing  with  the  enemy, 201 

Septem.  Major  Beasley  defeated  and  killed  by  the  Indians, 202 

Lieutenant  M'Call — Capture  of  the  Boxer, 501 

Commodore  M*Donough — Affairs  on  Lake  Champlain, 205 

Commodore  Perry — Victory  on  Lake  Erie, 205 

Commodore  Chauncey  chases  Sir  James  round  the  Lake, 208 

Citizens  of  Ontario  offer  their  services,.,... . , , 209 

Gen.  P.  B.  Porter  &  others  offer  their  services  &  are  accepted,  210  &  213 

General  Wilkinson  on  Affairs  of  the  Campaign, 212 

General  Harrison's  arrival  at  Amherstburg,.. 214 

Commodore  Perry  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy, 215 

Governor  Blount's  Orders  to  General  Jackson, ...'......  215 

Commodore  Chauncey — Affairs  on  Lake  Ontario, 215 

General  Harrison's  General  Order, 216 

General  Wilkinson  on  embarking  for  Sackett's  Harbour, 219 

Commodore  Perry — Harrison's  arrival  at  Maiden,... ,..,,.,.. *.  229 


t;  CONTENTS. 

F«g* 

Septem.  Commodore  Rodgers — Cruise  in  the  North  Sea, 

Geneva!  Harrison's  Proclamation  and  General  Order, 224 

October.Commodore  Chauncey — chase  of,  and  skirmish  with,  Sir  James,  225 

General  M'Clure's  Address  to  the  Patriots,  &c 228 

Colonel  Smith  to  Colonel  Nicol, 228 

Secretary  of  War  authorizes  the  destruction  of  Newark, 229 

General  Harrison— Victory  on  the  Thames, 229  233  239 

Lieutenant  Nicholson — Capture  of  the  Dart, 229 

General   M 'Arthur  respecting  the  Indians, 230 

General  M'Clure — skirmish  with  the  Enemy, 230 

Commodore  Chauncey  captures  5  vessels  and  chases  Sir  James,.  231 

Tecumseh's  Speech  to  General  Proctor,... 240 

Colonel  VV.  Scott  to  General  Wilkinson, 2*1 

Colonel  Clark — Capture  of  the  Enemy  at  Massiquoi,.*.. 244 

General  M'Clure's  Address  to  the  Canadians, 24* 

General  Harrison's  Proclamation, 246 

General  Proctor — asking  clemency  to  prisoners, 246 

General  Harrison  to  General  Vincent,  in  reply  to  Proctor, 252 

General  Vincent's  Reply  to  General  Harrison,. 260 

General  Wilkinson  from  Grenadier  Island,., 247-8 

Secretary  of  War  to  General  Wilkinson  from  Denmark,. 248 

General  Hampton — Battle  on  the  Chataugay, , 249 

General  Coffee — Victory  over  the  Creeks, 255 

Commodore  Chauncey — Affairs  on  Lake  Ontario,. 256 

General  Wilkinson's  Proclamation — orders  Hampton  to  join,....  257-8 

General  Hampton  refuses  to  join  Wilkinson, 259 

Commodore  Lewis — Affair  at  Long  Branch, 259 

Governor  Chittenden's  Proclamation  ordering  the  Militia  home,.  26l 

Answer  of  the  Officers  refusing  to  obey  him, 262 

General  Jackson— Battle   of  Talladega, 264 

General  Boyd — Battle  of  Williamsburg 26« 

Return  of  killed  and  wounded  in  ditto,.. 274 

General  Wilkinson   on  General  Hampton  refusing  to  join,  and 

General  Order, 268 

General  Harrison  at  Newark,  to  General  M'Clure, 269 

General  Wilkinson's  descent  of  the  St.  Lawrence, 270 

on  General  Hampton's  Conduct, 274,  282,  286 

Colonel  Purdy's  Report  on  ditto,.... 275 

Treatment  of  Prisoners  at  Quebec, . , .....  279 

General  White — Victory  over  the  Creeks, 28l 

Decem.  General  Floyd — Ditto, 283 

General  Izard  to  General  Wilkinson,... 286 

General  M'Clure's  Orders  to  Captain  Leonard  and  Address......  286 

Commodore  Decatur — respecting  the  Blue  Lights, 287 

General  M'Clure — loss  of  Fort  Niagara, 23S- 

General  Hall — Buffalo    in  ruins, 289 

Gtneral  M'Clure's  Address  to  the  Public, 290 

1814. 

Jan'y.  Captain  Shaler — Privateer  Governor  Tompkins, 292 

General  Claihorrie — Battle  of  the  "  Holy  Ground," 294 

General  Floyd — Victory  over  the  Creeks, 296 

General  Jackson  to  Colonel  Willianl  Cocke, , 297 

Battle  of  Emnckfau  and  Talladega, 298 

Captain  Dent — the  Alligator  and  British  Boats, 305 

Frbr'y-  General  Floyd  to  General  Pinckney, 3o6 

General  Jackson  to  Colonel  William  Cocke, 307 

Commodore  Rodgers — Cruise  of  the  President, 3,07 

March.  Surgeon  Evans  of  the  Constitution— British  veracity, 310. 


CONTENTS. 


March.  Colonel  Butler  and  Captain  Holmes  —  Victory  on  the  Thames,,.  313 

Commodore  Decatur  —  Conduct  of  Captain  Capel,  .......  .....  ...  317 

General  Pinckney—  -Victory  over  the  Creeks......  ...............  315 

'  Gen.  Jackson  —  Battle  of  the  Horse-Shoe  and  Address  to  his  Army  319 

.  -    .          -  to  Governor  Blount,  .........................  321 

General  Cocke's  Conduct,   from  Reid's  Life  of  Jackson,  .........  323 

General  Wilkinson—  Battle  of  La  Cole,  .........................  325 

April.     Colonel  William  Cocke  to  General  Jackson,  .....................  327 

General  Jackson  to  Governor  Blount,  ...............  •  ........  %  ...  327 

Commodore  Chauncey  —  British  attempt  to  burn  the  new  Ship,..  328 

Captain  Morris   captures  several  Vessels,  .......................  329 

Captain  Warrington  and  Lieutenant  Nicholson  —  Capture  of  the 

Epervier,  ...................................................  329 

May.      Commodore  Chauncey  —  ship  Superior  launched,  .................  33l 

Captain  Warrington  —  commending  his   Officers,  ................  3.31 

Commodore  Chauncey  —  Battle  at  Oswego,  .....................  332 

General  Brown  and  Colonel  Mitchell's  account  of  ditto,  ........  333 

Commodore  M'Donough  —  Battle  at  Otter  Creek,  ................  335 

Commodore  Lewis  —  Gun-Boats  and  the  Enemy,  .....  .  ..........  336 

June.    Com.  Chauncey  £  Capt.  Woolsey—  gallant  Affa'ir  at  Sandy  Creek  337 

Commodore  Barney  —  Affair  at  St.  Leonard's  Creek,...:  ........  34-0 

Commodore  Chauncsy  —  Capture  of  a  Gun-Boat,....  ..........  341 

General  P.  Stuart  —  Affairs  on  the  Potomac,  ........  .  ............  342 

Commodore  Barney's  Battle  with  two  Frigates,  ........  .  ........  343 

Commodore  Rodgers  —  Affairs  in  the  Delaware,  .................  343 

Colonel  Wadsworth  —  Affair  at   St.  Leonards,  ..................  343 

July.       General  Brown's  General  Order  and  descent  on  Canada,  ........  546 

Commodore    Porter  —  Cruise   and  Capture  of  the  Essex,  ........  347 

Captain  Gamble  —  Sequel  of  the  Essex's  Cruise,  ................  362 

General  Brown  —  Battle  of  Chippewa  and  General  Order,....  3o'8  &:  3?4 

Sailing  Master  Shead  —  loss  of  the  Alligator,  ..................  v  .  373 

Commodore  Chauncey  —  Schooner  burnt  at  Presque  Isle,  ........  375 

Captain  Blakely  —  Capture  of  the  Reindeer,  ....................  376 

Commodore  Rodgers  —  Affairs   in  the  Delaware,  ........  ........  3?7 

Captain  Hull  —  Capture  of  a  British  Tender,  .....  .  ..............  378 

General  Brown  —  skirmishing  at  Fort  George,  .........  .  .........  379 

-          ••-    complains  of  the  Fleet  not  co-operating,  ........  379 

--  Battle  of  Niagara  or  Bridgewater,  ..........  ....  380 

Names  of  Officers  killed  and  wounded  ii:  ditto,  ..................  502 

August.  Major  Morgan  —  Battle  at  Conjocta   Creek,  .....................  383 

General  Gaines  assumes  the  command  at  Fort  Erie,  .............  384> 

Comodore  Chauncey  —  denies  agreeing  to  meet  General   Brown,  385 

--  ------    complains  of  public  murmurs  about  his  Fleet,  3&t> 

General  Gaines  —  Death  of  Major  Morgan,  ..................  ....  3(j9 

---  Defeat  of  the  British  at  Fort  Erie,  ...........  389  &  394 

General  Ripley's  Report  of  ditto,  ..............................  390 

Captain  Morris  —  Frigate  Adams  grounded,  ......................  392 

General  Winder  —  Battle  of  Bladensburg,  .................  .  ......  400 

Commodore's  Tingey  and  Barney  on  ditto  ..........  .  .........     402,405 

Proclamation  of  Colonel  Nichols  of  the  'British  Army,  ...........  407 

Septem.  General  Hungerford  —  Affairs  on  the  Potomac,  ..................  4Q9 

Commodore  Macdonough—  battle  on  Lake  Champlain,  ......     4>10,4l3 

Captain  Blakely—  Avon  sunk  by  the  Wasp,  .....................  4lJ 

General  Macomb—  Battle  of  Plattsburg,  ...........................  4];> 

General  Smith  and  General  Strieker  —  Attack  on  Baltimore,..     420,427 

Colonel  Armistead-   Defence  of  Fort  Me.  Henry,  ..................  439 

General  Jackson  and  Maj.  Lawrence  —  defence  of  Fort  Bowyer,     42*,<k:6 

General  Brown  on  General  Druimnend's  Conduct..,..              ,..,,  430 


CONTENTS.- 


Septetn.  President  Madison's  Message  to  Congress  .....  .  ..........  «  ........  451 

General  Brown  and  General  P.  B.  Porter  —  Sortie  at  Fort  Erie,  444,435 

Octob.    Captain  Reid  —  Privateer  General  Armstrong  ....................  445 

Governor  Wright  —  Brutality  of  the  enemy  at  Chaptico  ........  ....  449 

General  Izard  —  Affair  at  Lyons  Creek,  .................  .  ........  450 

Novem.  General  Jackson  —  Pensacola  taken  ................  .  .....  •  .......  451 

General  Jackson  —  Battle  below  New  Orleans,  ...................  453 

1815. 

Jan"ry.  Great  victory  of  New  Orleans,  ............  ......  ......  .  ......  455,to46l 

Commodore  Patterson's  account  of  ditto,  ..................  .  ......  461 

Major  Overton—  attack  on  Fort  St.  Philip,  .......................  464 

General  Jackson  to  the  Troops  on  the  right  bank,  ......  ..•••••.•••  465 

Rev.  W.  Dubourg  to  General  Jackson  and  his  reply,....  ........  ...  466 

March.    C.  K.  Blanchard  —  Traitors  in  New  Orleans,  ....................  468 

General  Jackson's  farewell  to  his  Army  ...........................  469 

Captain  Massias  —  affair  at  point  Petre,  ..........................  470 

General  Jackson's  Address  and  General  Orders,  .....  .  .......  .  474,477 

January.Commodore  Decatur  —  Capture  of  the  President,  ................  481 

Feb'ry  General  Winchester    and  Maj  Lawrence  —  Loss  of  Fort  Bowyer,  483 

March.   Lieutenant  Watson  —  Capture  of  the  Argus,  .....  .......  .........  485 

Lt.  Thomas  Ap.  Catesby  Jones  —  Guii  Boats  and  Flotilla,  .......  .  487 

Captain  Biddle  —  Capture  of  the  Penguin,  ........................  490 

May.      Captain  Stewart  —  Capture  of  the  Cyane  and  Levant,  ............  492 

June.     Captain  Biddle's  escape  from  a  Ship  of  the  line,  ...................  494 

Extract  from  the  journal  of  an  officer  of  the  Hornet,  ......  ,.  ......  496 

Lt.  Nicholson  —  Cruelty  of  the  enemy,.,  ..........................  498 

Treaty  of  Peace  with  Great  Bri  taio,  .....  ...............  .......  504 


PRESIDENT'S  MESSAGE. 
3\me  1, 


To  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  Of  llie  United 


I  COMMUNICATE  to  Congress  certain  documti/.s,  beif,g  a  'conti 
nuation  of  those  heretofore  laid  before  them,  on  the  subject  of 
our  affairs  with  Great  Britain. 

Without  going  back  beyond  the  renewal,  in  1803,  of  the  war  in 
which  Great  Britain  is  engaged,  and  omitting  unrepaired  wrongs 
of  inferior  magnitude,  the  Conduct  of  her  government  presents  a 
series  of  acts  hostile  to  the  United  States  as  an  independent  and 
neutral  nation. 

British  cruisers  have  been  in  the  continued  practice  of  violating 
the  American  flag  on  the  great  highway  of  nations,  and  of  seizing 
and  carrying  off  persons  sailing  under  it;  not  in  the  exercise  of  a 
belligerant  right  founded  on  the  law  of  nations  against  an  enemy, 
but  of  a  municipal  prerogative  over  British  subjects.  British  ju 
risdiction  is  thus  extended  to  neutral  vessels  in  a  situation  where 
no  laws  can  operate  but  the  law  of  nations  and  the  laws  of  the 
country  to  which  the  vessels  belong;  and  a  self-redress  is  assumed, 
which,  if  British  subjects  were  wrongfully  detained  and  alone 
concerned,  is  that  substitution  of  force,  for  a  resort  to  the  res 
ponsible  sovereign,  which  falls  within  the  definition  of  war. 
Could  the  seizure  of  British  subjects  in  such  cases  be  regarded 
as  within  the  exercise  of  a  belligerant  right,  the  acknowledged 
laws  of  war,  which  forbid  an  article  of  captured  property  to  be 
adjudged  without  a  regular  investigation  before  a  competent 
tribunal,  would  imperiously  demand  the  fairest  trial,  where  the 
sacred  rights  of  persons  were  at  issue.  In  place  of  such  a  trial, 
these  rights  are  subject  to  the  will  of  every  petty  commander. 


10 

The  practice,  hence,  is  so  far  from  affecting  British  subjects 
alone,  that  under  the  pretext  of  searching  for  these,  thousands  of 
American  citizens,  under  the  safeguard  of  public  law,  and  of  their 
national  flag,  have  been  torn  from  their  country  and  from  every 
thing  dear  to  them  ;  have  been  dragged  on  board  ships  of  war  of  a 
foreign  nation,  and  exposed,  under  the  severities  of  their  disci 
pline,  to  be  exiled  to  the  most  distant  and  deadly  climes,  to  risk 
their  lives  in  the  battles  of  their  oppressors,  and  to  be  the  me 
lancholy  instruments  of  taking  away  those  of  their  own  brethren. 

Against  this  crying  enormity  which  Great  Britain  would  be  so 
prompt  to  avenge  if  committed  against  herself,  the  United  States 
have  in  vain  exhausted  remonstrances  aird  expostulations.  And 
that  no  proof  might  be  wanting  of  their  conciliatory  dispositions, 
and  no  pretext  left  for  a  continuance  of  the  practice,  the  British 
government  was  formally  assured  of  the  readiness  ot  the  United 
States  to  enter  into  arrangements,  such  as  could  not  be  rejected, 
if  the  recovery  of  British  subjects  was  the  real  and  the  sole  object. 
The  communication  passed  without  effect. 

British  cruisers  have  been  in  the  practice  also  of  violating  the 
.  rights,  and  thevpeac»i  df  our  coasts.  They  hover  over  and  harass 
dill-  dcpartiPcr  cVmm2,i;ce.  To  the  most  insulting  pretensions  they 
have  added  the  most  lawless  proceedings  in  our  very  harbors ;  and 
h&]fe  wHfltcnly  spilt  American  blood  within  the  sanctuary  of  our 
'territorial  jurisdiction.  The  principles  and  rules  enforced  by  that 
nation,  when  a  neutral  nation,  against  armed  vessels  or  bellige- 
rant's  hovering  near  her  coasts,  and  disturbing  her  commerce,  are 
well  known.  When  called  on,  nevertheless,  by  the  United  States, 
to  punish  the  greater  offences  committed  by  her  own  vessels,  her 
government  has  bestowed  on  their  commander  additional  marks 
of  honour  and  confidence. 

Under  pretended  blockades,  without  the  presence  of  an  ade 
quate  force,  and  sometimes  without  the  practicability  of  applying 
one,  our  commerce  has  been  plundered  in  every  sea ;  the  great 
staples  of  our  country  have  been  cut  off  from  their  legitimate  mar 
kets  ;  and  a  destructive  blow  aimed  at  our  agricultural  and  mari 
time  interests,  in  aggravation  of  these  predatory  measures,  they 
have  been  considered  as  in  force  from  the  dates  of  their  notifica 
tion;  a  retrospective  effect  being  thus  added,  as  has  been  done  in 
Other  important  cases,  to  the  unlawfulness  of  the  course  pursued. 
And  to  render  the  outrage  the  more  signal,  these  mock  blockades 
have  been  reiterated  and  enforced  in  the  face  of  official  communi 
cations  from  the  British  government,  declaring  as  the  true  defini 
tion  of  a  legal  blockade,  "  That  particular  ports  must  be  actually 
invested,  and  previous  warning  given  to  vessels  bound  to  them  not 
to  enter." 

Not  content  with  these  occasional  expedients  for  laying  waste 
our  neutral  trade,  the  cabinet  of  Great  Britain  resorted,  at  length, 
to  the  sweeping  system  of  blockades,  under  the  name  of  orders  in 
council,  which  has  been  moulded  and  managed,  as  might  best  suit 


11 

its  political  views,  its  commercial  jealousies,  or  the  avidity  of  Bri 
tish  cruisers. 

To  our  remonstrances  against  the  complicated  and  transcend 
ent  injustice  of  this  innovation,  the  first  reply  was,  that  the  orders 
were  reluctantly  adopted  by  Great  Britain  as  a  necessary  retali 
ation  on  the  decrees  of  her  enemy  proclaiming  a  general  blockade 
of  the  British  isles,  at  a  time  when  the  naval  force  of  that  enemy 
dared  not  to  issue  from  his  own  ports.  She  was  reminded,  with 
out  effect,  that  her  own  prior  blockades,  unsupported  by  an  ade 
quate  naval  force,  actually  applied  and  continued,  were  a  bar  to 
this  plea :  that  executed  edicts  against  millions  of  our  property 
could  not  be  a  retaliation  on  edicts,  confessedly  impossible  to  be 
executed :  that  retaliation,  to  be  just,  should  fall  on  the  party  set 
ting  the  guilty  example,  not  an  innocent  party,  which  was  not 
even  chargeable  with  an  acquiescence  in  it. 

When  deprived  of  this  flimsy  veil  for  a  prohibition  of  our  trade 
with  her  enemy,  by  the  repeal  of  his  prohibition  of  our  trade  with 
Great  Britain,  her  cabinet,  instead  of  a  corresponding  repeal  or  a 
practical  discontinuance  of  its  orders,  formally  avowed  a  determi 
nation  to  persist  in  them  against  the  United  States,  until  the  mar 
kets  of  her  enemy  should  be  laid  open  to  British  products  ;  thus 
asserting  an  obligation  on  a  neutral  power  to  require  onebellige- 
rant  tp  encourage,  by  its  internal  regulations,  the  trade  of  another 
belligerant ;  contradicting  her  own  practice  towards  all  nations, 
in  peace  as  well  as  in  war ;  and  betraying  the  insincerity  of  those 
professions  wjiich  inculcated  a  belief  that,  having  resorted  to  her 
orders  with  regret,  she  was  anxious  to  find  an  occasion  for  putting 
an  end  to  them. 

Abandoning  still  more  all  respect  for  the  neutral  rights  of  the 
United  States,  and  for  its  own  consistency,  the  British  government 
now  demands  as  prerequisites  to  a  repeal  of  its  orders,  as  they 
relate  to  the  United  States,  that  a  formality  should  be  observed  ill 
the  repeal  of  the  French  decrees  no  wise  necessary  to  their  ter 
mination,  nor  exemplified  by  British  usage  ;  and  that  the  French 
repeal,  besides  including  that  portion  of  the  decrees  which  oper 
ates  within  a  territorial  jurisdiction,  as  well  as  that  which  operates 
on  the  high  seas  against  the  commerce  of  the  United  States,  should 
not  be  a  single  special  repeal  in  relation  to  the  United  States,  but 
should  be  extended  to  whatever  other  neutral  nations,  unconnect 
ed  with  them,  may  be  affected  by  those  decrees.  And  as  an  addi 
tional  insult,  they  are  called  on  for  a  formal  disavowal  of  condi 
tions  and  pretensions  advanced  by  the  French  government,  for 
which  the  United  States  are  so  far  from  having  made  themselves 
responsible,  that,  in  official  explanations,  which  have  been  pub 
lished  to  the  world,  and  in  a  correspondence  of  the  American 
minister  at  London  with  the  British  minister  for  foreign  affairs, 
such  a  responsibility  was  explicitly  and  emphatically  disclaimed. 

It  has  become  indeed  sufficiently  certain,  that  the  commerce  of 
the  United  States  is  to  be  sacrificed,  not  as  interfering  with  the 


12 

belligerant  rights  of  Great  Britain — not  as  supplying  the  wants  of 
her  enemies,  which  she  herself  supplies  ;  but  as  interfering  with 
the  monopoly  which  she  covets  for  her  own  commerce  and  navi 
gation.  She  carries  on  a  war^gainst  the  lawful  commerce  of  a 
friend,  that  she  may  the  better  carry  on  a  commerce  with  an  ene 
my — a  commerce,  polluted  by  the  forgeries  and  perjuries  which 
are,  for  the  most  part,  the  only  passports  by  which  it  can  succeed. 
Anxious  to  make  every  experiment  short  of  the  last  resort  of 
injured  nations,  the  United  States  have  withheld  from  Great  Bri 
tain,  under  successive  modifications,  the  benefits  of  a  free  inter 
course  with  their  market,  the  loss  of  which  could  not  but  outweigh 
the  profits  accruing  from  her  restrictions  of  our  commerce  with 
other  nations.  And  to  entitle  these  experiments  to  the  more 
favourable  consideration,  they  were  so  framed  as  to  enable  her  to 
place  her  adversary  under  the  exclusive  operation  of  them.  vTo 
these  appeals  her  government  has  been  equally  inflexible,  as  if 
willing  to  make  sacrifices  of  every  sort,  rather  than  yield  to  the 
claims  of  justice,  or  to  renounce  the  errors  of  a  false  pride.  Nay, 
so  far  were  the  attempts  carried  to  overcome  the  attachment  of  the 
British  cabinet  to  its  unjust  edicts,  that  it  received  every  encou 
ragement  within  the  competency  of  the  executive  branch  of  our 
government,  to  expect  that  a  repeal  of  them  would  be  followed  by 
a  war  between  the  United  States  and  France,  unless  the  Erencn 
edicts  should  also  be  repealed.  Even  this  communication, 
although  silencing  forever  the  plea  of  a  disposition  in  the  United 
States  to  acquiesce  in  those  edicts,  originally  the  sole  plea  for 
them,  received  no  attention. 

If  no  other  proof  existed  of  a  predetermination  of  the  British 
government  against  a  repeal  of  its  orders,  it  might  be  found  in  the 
correspondence  of  the  minister  plenipotentiary  of  the  United 
States  at  London,  and  the  British  secretary  for  foreign  affairs, 
in  1810,  on  the  question  whether  the  blockade  of  May,  1806,  was 
considered  as  in  force,  or  as  not  in  force.  It  had  been  ascer 
tained  that  the  French  government,  which  urged  this  blockade  as 
the  ground  of  its  Berlin  decree,  was  willing,  in  the  event  of  its 
removal,  to  repeal  that  decree ;  which,  being  followed  by  alternate 
repeals  of  the  other  offensive  edicts,  might  abolish  the  whole  sys 
tem  on  both  sides.  This  inviting  opportunity  for  accomplishing 
an  object  so  important  to  the  United  States,  and  professed  so 
often  to  be  the  desire  of  both  the  belligerants,  was  made  known 
to  the  British  government.  As  that  government  admits  that  au 
actual  application  of  an  adequate  force  is  necessary  to  the  exist 
ence  of  a  legal  blockade,  and  it  was  notorious,  that  if  such  a 
force  had  ever  been  applied,  its  long  discontinuance  had  annulled 
the  blockade  in  question,  there  could  be  no  sufficient  objection 
on  the  part  of  Great  Britain  to  a  formal  revocation  of  it ;  and 
no  imaginable  objection  to  a  declaration  of  the  fact  that  the 
blockade  did  not  exist.  The  declaration  would  have  been  con 
sistent  with  her  avowed  principles  of  blockade,  and  would  have 


13 

enabled  the  United  States  to  demand  from  France  the  pledged 
repeal  of  her  decrees  ;  either  with  success,  in  which  case  the 
way  would  have  been  opened  for  a  general  repeal  of  the  belli- 

ferant  edicts;  or  without  success,  in  which  case  the  United 
tates  would  have  been  justified  in  turning  their  measures 
exclusively  against  France.  The  British  government  would, 
however,  neither  rescind  the  blockade,  nor  declare  its  non-exist 
ence  ;  nor  permit  its  non-existence  to  be  inferred  and  affirmed  by 
the  American  plenipotentiary.  On  the  contrary,  by  representing 
the  blockade  to  be  comprehended  in  the  orders  in  council,  the 
United  States  were  compelled  so  to  regard  it  in  their  subsequent 
proceedings. 

There  was  a  period  when  a  favourable  change  in  the  policy  of  the 
British  cabinet  was  justly  considered  as  established.  The  minis 
ter  plenipotentiary  of  his  Britannic  majesty  here  proposed  an 
adjustment  of  the  differences  more  immediately  endangering  the 
harmony  of  the  two  countries.  The  proposition  was  accepted  with 
a  promptitude  and  cordiality  corresponding  with  the  invariable 
professions  of  this  government.  A  foundation  appeared  to  be  laid 
for  a  sincere  and  lasting  reconciliation.  The  prospect,  however, 
quickly  vanished.  The  whole  proceeding  was  disavowed  by  the 
British  government,  without  any  explanations  which  could  at  that 
time  repress  the  belief,  that  the  disavowal  proceeded  from  a  spi 
rit  of  hostility  to  the  commercial  rights  and  prosperity  of  the 
United  States.  And  it  has  since  come  into  proof,  that  at  the  very 
moment  when  the  public  minister  was  holding  the  language  of 
friendship  and  inspiring  confidence  in  the  sincerity  of  the  nego 
tiation  with  which  he  was  charged,  a  secret  agent  of  his  govern 
ment  was  employed  in  intrigues,  having  for  their  object  a  subver 
sion  of  our  government,  and  a  dismemberment  of  our  happy  union. 
In  reviewing  the  conduct  of  Great  Britain  toward  the  United 
States,  our  attention  is  necessarily  drawn  to  the  warfare  just  re 
newed  by  the  savages  on  one  of  our  extensive  frontiers  :  a  war 
fare  which  is  known  to  spare  neither  sex  nor  age,  and  to  be  dis 
tinguished  by  features  peculiarly  shocking  to  humanity.  It  is 
difficult  to  account  for  the  activity  and  combinations  which 
have  for  some  time  been  developing  themselves  among  tribes  m 
the  constant  intercourse  with  British  traders  and  garrisons, 
without  connecting  their  hostility  with  that  influence ;  and  with 
out  recollecting  the  authenticated  examples  of  such  interposi 
tions  heretofore  furnished  by  the  officers  and  agents  of  that 
government. 

Such  is  the  spectacle  of  injuries  and  indignities  which  have 
been  heaped  on  our  country ;  and  such  the  crisis  which  its  unex 
ampled  forbearance  and  conciliatory  efforts  have  not  been  able 
to  avert.  It  might  at  least  have  been  expected,  that  an  enlight 
ened  nation,  if  less  urged  by  moral  obligations,  or  invited  by 
friendly  dispositions  on  the  part  of  the  United  States,  would 
have  found,  in  its  true  interest  alone,  a  sufficient  motive  to  re- 


14 

spect  their  rights  and  their  tranquillity  on  the  high  seas ;  that  an, 
enlarged  policy  would  have  favoured  that  free  and  general  cir 
culation  of  commerce,  in  which  the  British  nation  is  at  all  times 
interested,  and  which  in  times  of  war,  is  the  best  alleviation  of  its 
calamities  to  herself  as  well  as  the  other  belligerants ;  and  more 
especially  that  the  British  cabinet  would  not,  for  the  sake  of  a 
precarious  and  surreptitious  intercourse  with  hostile  markets, 
nave  persevered  in  a  course  of  measures  which  necessarily  put  at 
hazard  the  invaluable  market  of  a  great  and  growing  country, 
disposed  to  cultivate  the  mutual  advantages  of  an  active  com 
merce. 

Other  councils  have  prevailed.  Our  moderation  and  concilia 
tion  have  had  no  other  effect  than  to  encourage  perseverance,  and 
to  enlarge  pretensions.  We  behold  our  seafaring  citizens  still 
the  daily  victims  of  lawless  violence  committed  on  the  great 
common  and  highway  of  nations,  even  within  sight  of  the  country 
which  owes  them  protection.  We  behold  our  vessels,  freighted 
with  the  products  of  our  soil  and  industry,  or  returning  with  the 
honest  proceeds  of  them,  wrested  from  their  lawful  destinations, 
confiscated  by  prize-courts,  no  longer  the  organs  of  public  law, 
but  the  instrument  of  arbitrary  edicts  ;  and  their  unfortunate 
crews  dispersed  and  lost,  or  forced  or  inveigled,  in  British  ports, 
into  British  fleets  :  whilst  arguments  are  employed  in  support  of 
these  aggressions  which  have  no  foundation  but  in  a  principle 
equally  supporting  a  claim  to  regulate  our  external  commerce  in 
all  cases  whatsoever. 

We  behold,  in  fine,  on  the  side  of  Great  Britain,  a  state  of  war 
against  the  United  States ;  on  the  side  of  the  United  States,  a 
state  of  peace  towards  Great  Britain. 

Whether  the  United  States  shall  continue  passive  under  these 
progressive  usurpations,  and  these  accumulating  wrongs;  or, 
opposing  force  to  force  in  defence  of  their  natural  rights,  shall 
commit  a  just  cause  into  the  hands  of  the  Almighty  Disposer  of 
events,  avoiding  all  connections  which  might  entangle  it  in  the 
contests  or  views  of  other  powers,  and  preserving  a  constant  rea 
diness  to  concur  in  an  honourable  re -establishment  of  peace  and 
friendship,  is  a  solemn  question,  which  the  constitution  wisely 
confides  to  the  legislative  department  of  the  government.  In 
recommending  it  to  their  early  deliberations,  I  am  happy  in  the 
assurance  that  the  decision  will  be  worthy  the  enlightened  and 
patriotic  councils  of  a  virtuous,  a  free,  and  a  powerful  nation. 

Having  presented  this  view  of  the  relations  of  the  United  States 
with  Great  Britain,  and  of  the  solemn  alternative  growing  out  of 
them,  I  proceed  to  remark,  that  the  communications  last  made  to 
Congress  on  the  subject  of  our  relations  with  France,  will  have 
shown,  that  since  the  revocation  of  her  decrees  as  they  violated 
the  neutral  rights  of  the  United  States,  her  government  has  au 
thorized  illegal  captures,  by  its  privateers  and  public  ships,  and 
that  other  outrages  have  been  practiced  on  our  vessels  and  our 


IS 

citizens.  It  will  have  been  seen  also,  that  no  indemnity  had 
been  provided,  or  satisfactorily  pledged,  for  the  extensive  spolia 
tions  committed  under  the  violent  and  retrospective  orders  of  the 
French  government  against  the  property  of  our  citizens  seized 
within  the  jurisdiction  of  France.  I  abstain  at  this  time  from 
recommending  to  the  consideration  of  Congress  definitive  mea 
sures  with  respect  to  that  nation,  in  the  expectation,  that  the. 
result  of  unclosed  discussions  between  our  minister  plenipoten 
tiary  at  Paris  and  the  French  government,  will  speedily  enable 
Congress  to  decide,  with  greater  advantage,  on  the  course  due  te 
the  rights,  the  interests  and  the  honour  of  our  country. 

JAMES  MADISON. 

WASHINGTON,  June  1, 1812. 


June  3, 

The  Committee  on  Foreign  Relations,  to  whom  was  referred  the 
Message  of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  of  the  1st  of 
June,  1812, 

REPORT— 

That,  after  the  experience  which  the  United  States  have 
had  of  the  great  injustice  of  the  British  government  towards  them, 
exemplified  by  so  manv  acts  of  violence  and  oppression,  it  will  be 
more  difficult  to  justify  to  the  impartial  world  their  patient  for 
bearance,  than  the  measures  to  which  it  has  become  necessary  to 
resort,  to  avenge  the  wrongs,  and  vindicate  the  rights  and  honour 
of  the  nation.  Your  committee  are  happy  to  observe,  on  a  dis 
passionate  review  of  the  conduct  of  the  United  States,  that  they 
see  in  it  no  cause  for  censure. 

If  a  long  forbearance  under  injuries  ought  ever  to  be  consider 
ed  a  virtue  in  any  nation,  it  is  one  which  peculiarly  becomes  the 
United  States.  No  people  ever  cherished  it  with  greater  sinceri 
ty  and  zeal. 

But  the  period  has  now  arrived,  when  the  United  States  must 
support  their  character  and  station  among  the  nations  of  the  earth, 
or  submit  to  the  most  shameful  degradation.  Forbearance  has 
ceased  to  be  a  virtue.  AiV  ar  on  the  one  side,  and  peace  on  the 
other,  is  a  situation  as  ruinous  as  it  is  disgraceful.  The  mad 
ambition,  the  lust  of  power,  and  commercial  avarice  of  Great 
Britain,  arrogating  to  herself  the  complete  dominion  of  the  ocean, 
and  exercising  over  it  an  unbounded  and  lawless  tyranny,  have 
left  to  neutral  nations  an  alternative  only,  between  the  base  sur 
render  of  their  rights,  and  a  manly  vindication  of  them.  Happily 
for  the  United  States,  their  destiny,  under  the  aid  of  Heaven,  is 


16 

in  their  own  hands.  The  crisis  is  formidable  only  by  their  love 
of  peace.  As  soon  as  it  becomes  a  duty  to  relinquish  that  situa 
tion,  danger  disappears.  They  have  suffered  no  wrongs,  they 
have  received  no  insult,  however  great,  for  which  they  cannot 
obtain  redress. 

More  than  seven  years  have  elapsed  since  the  commencement 
of  this  system  of  hostile  aggression  by  the  British  government,  on 
the  rights  and  interests  ot  the  United  States.  The  manner  of  its 
commencement  was  not  less  hostile,  than  the  spirit  with  which 
it  has  been  prosecuted.  The  United  States  have  invariably  done 
every  thing  in  their  power  to  preserve  the  relations  of  friendship 
with  Great  Britain.  Of  this  disposition,  they  gave  a  distinguished 
proof  at  the  moment  when  they  were  made  the  victims  of  an 
opposite  policy.  The  wrongs  of  the  last  war  had  not  been  for 
gotten  at  the  commencement  of  the  present  one.  They  warned 
us  of  dangers,  against  which  it  was  sought  to  provide.  As  early 
as  the  year  1804,  the  minister  of  the  United  States,  at  London, 
was  instructed  to  invite  the  British  government  to  enter  into  a 
negotiation  on  all  the  points  on  which  a  collision  might  arise  be 
tween  the  two  countries  in  the  course  of  the  war,  and  to  propose 
to  it  an  arrangement  of  their  claims  on  fair  and  reasonable  condi 
tions.  The  invitation  was  accepted.  A  negotiation  had  com 
menced  and  was  depending,  and  nothing  had  occurred  to  excite- 
a  doubt  that  it  would  not  terminate  to  the  satisfaction  of  both 
parties.  It  was  at  this  time,  and  under  these  circumstances,  that 
an  attack  was  made  by  surprise,  on  an  important  branch  of  the 
American  commerce,  which  aifected  every  part  of  the  United 
States,  and  involved  many  of  their  citizens  in  ruin. 

The  commerce  on  which  this  attack  was  so  unexpectedly  made, 
was  between  the  United  States  and  the  colonies  of  France,  Spain, 
and  other  enemies  of  Great  Britain.  A  commerce  just  in  itself; 
sanctioned  by  the  example  of  Great  Britain  in  regard  to  the  trade 
with  her  own  colonies  ;  sanctioned  by  a  solemn  act  between  the 
two  governments  in  the  last  war,  and  sanctioned  by  the  practice 
of  the  British  government  in  the  present  war,  more  than  two  years 
having  then  elapsed,  without  any  interference  with  it. 

The  injustice  of  this  attack  could  only  be  equalled  by  the  ab 
surdity  of  the  pretext  alleged  for  it.  It  was  pretended  by  the 
British  government,  that  in  case  of  war,  her  enemy  had  no  right 
to  modify  its  colonial  regulations,  so  as  to  mitigate  the  calamities 
of  war  to  the  inhabitants  of  its  colonies.  This  pretension,  pecu 
liar  to  Great  Britain,  is  utterly  incompatible  with  the  rights  of 
sovereignty  in  every  independent  state.  If  we  recur  to  the  well 
established  and  universally  admitted  law  of  nations,  we  shall  find 
no  sanction  to  it  in  that  venerable  code.  The  sovereignty  of 
every  state  is  co-extensive  with  its  dominions,  and  cannot  be  abro 
gated  or  curtailed  in  its  rights,  as  to  any  part,  except  by  conquest. 
Neutral  nations  have  a  right  to  every  port  of  either  belligerant, 
which  is  not  legally  blockaded,  and  in  all  articles  which  are  not 


17 

contraband  of  war.  Such  is  the  absurdity  of  this  pretension,  that 
your  committee  are  aware,  especially  after  the  able  manner  in 
which  it  has  been  heretofore  refuted  and  exposed,  that  they  would 
offer  an  insult  to  the  understanding  of  the  house,  if  they  enlarged 
on  it;  and  if  any  thing  could  add  to  the  high  sense  of  the  injus 
tice  of  the  British  government  in  this  transaction,  it  would  be  the 
contrast  which  her  conduct  exhibits  in  regard  to  this  trade,  and  in 
regard  to  a  similar  trade  by  neutrals  with  their  own  colonies.  It 
is  known  to  the  world,  that  Great  Britain  regulates  her  own  trade 
in  war  and  in  peace,  at  home  and  in  her  colonies,  as  she  finds  for 
her  interest — that  in  war  she  relaxes  the  restraints  of  her  colo 
nial  system  in  favour  of  the  colonies,  and  that  it  never  was 
suggested  that  she  had  not  a  right  to  do  it ;  or  that  a  neutral,  in 
taking  advantage  of  the  relaxation,  violated  a  belligerant  right  of 
her  enemy.  But  with  great  Britain  every  thing  is  lawful.  -It 
is  only  in  a  trade  with  her  enemies  that  the  United  States  can 
do  wrong  :  with  them  all  trade  is  unlawful. 

In  the  year  1793,  an  attack  was  made  by  the  British  govern 
ment  on  the  same  branch  of  our  neutral  trade,  which  had  nearly 
involved  the  two  countries  in  war.  That  difference,  however,  was 
amicably  accommodated.  The  pretension  was  withdrawn,  and 
reparation  made  to  the  United  States  for  the  losses  which  they 
had  suffered  by  it.  It  was  fair  to  infer,  from  that  arrangement, 
that  the  commerce  was  deemed  by  the  British  government  lawful, 
and  that  it  would  not  be  again  disturbed. 

Had  the  British  government  been  resolved  to  contest  this 
trade  with  neutrals,  it  was  due  to  the  character  of  the  British 
nation  that  the  decision  should  be  made  known  to  the  govern 
ment  of  the  United  States.  The  existence  of  a  negotiation 
which  had  been  invited  by  our  government,  for  the  purpose  of 
preventing  differences  by  an  amicable  arrangement  of  their  res 
pective  pretensions,  gave  a  strong  claim  to  the  notification,  while 
it  afforded  the  fairest  opportunity  for  it.  But  a  very  different 
policy  animated  the  then  cabinet  of  England.  Generous  senti 
ments  were  unknown  to  it  The  liberal  confidence  and  friendly 
overtures  of  the  United  States  were  taken  advantage  of  to  ensnare 
them.  Steady  to  its  purpose,  and  inflexibly  hostile  to  this  coun 
try,  the  British  government  calmly  looked  forward  to  the  moment 
when  it  might  give  the  most  deadly  wound  to  our  interests.  A 
trade,  just  in  itself,  which  was  secured  by  so  many  strong  and 
sacred  pledges,  was  considered  safe.  Our  citizens,  with  their 
usual  industry  and  enterprise,  had  embarked  in  it  a  vast  propor 
tion  of  their  shipping,  and  of  their  capital,  which  were  at  sea, 
under  no  other  protection  than  the  law  of  nations,  and  the  confi 
dence  which  they  reposed  in  the  justice  and  friendship  of  the 
British  nation.  At  this  period  the  unexpected  blow  was  given. 
Many  of  our  vessels  were  seized,  carried  into  port,  and  con 
demned  by  a  tribunal,  which,  while  it  professes  to  respect  the 
law  of  nations,  obeys  the  mandate  of  its  own  government  in  op- 
3 


18 

position  to  all  law.  Hundreds  of  other  vessels  were  driven  from 
the  ocean,  and  the  trade  itself,  in  a  great  measure,  suppressed. 
The  effect  produced  by  this  attack  on  the  lawful  commerce  of  the 
United  States,  was  such  as  might  have  been  expected  from  a  vir 
tuous,  independent,  and  highly  injured  people.  But  one  sentiment 
pervaded  the  whole  American  nation.  No  local  interests  were 
regarded  ;  no  sordid  motives  felt.  Without  looking  to  the  parts 
which  suffered  most,  the  invasion  of  our  rights  was  considered  a 
common  cause,  and  from  one  extremity  of  our  union  to  the  other, 
\vas  heard  the  voice  of  an  united  people,  calling  on  their  govern 
ment  to  avenge  their  wrongs,  and  vindicate  the  rights  and 
honour  of  the  country. 

From  this  period  the  British  government  has  gone  on  in  a  con 
tinued  encroachment  on  the  rights  and  interests  of  the  United 
States,  disregarding  in  its  course,  in  many  instances,  obligations 
which  have  heretofore  been  held  sacred  by  civilized  nations. 

In  May,  1806,  the  whole  coast  of  the  continent,  from  the  Elbe 
to  Brest  inclusive,  was  declared  to  be  in  a  state  of  blockade.    By 
this  act,  the  well  established  principles  of  the  law  of  nations, 
principles  which  have  served  for  ages  as  guides,  and  fixed  the 
boundary  between  the  rights  of  belligerants  and  neutrals,  were 
violated  :  by  the  law  of  nations,  as  recognized  by  Great  Britain 
herself,  no  blockade  is  lawful,  unless  it  be  sustained  by  the  ap 
plication  of  an  adequate  force,  and  that  an  adequate  force  was 
applied  to  this  blockade,  in  its  full  extent,  ought  not  to  be  pretended. 
Whether  Great  Britain  wras  able  to  maintain,  legally,  so  exten 
sive  a  blockade,   considering  the  war  in  which  she  is  engaged, 
requiring  such  extensive  naval  operations,  is  a  question  which  it 
is  not  necessary  at  this  time  to  examine.     It  is  sufficient  to  be 
known,  that  such  force  was  not  applied,  and  this  is  evident  from 
the  terms  of  the   blockade  itself,  by  which,  comparatively,  an 
inconsiderable  portion  of  the  coast  only  was  declared  to  be  in  a 
state  of  strict  and  rigorous  blockade.     The  objection  to  the  mea 
sure  is  not  diminished  by  that  circumstance.     If  the  force  was 
not  applied,  the  blockade  was  unlawful,  from  whatever  cause  the 
failure  might  proceed.     The  belligerant  who  institutes  the  block 
ade,  cannot  absolve  itself  from  the  obligation  to  apply  the  force 
under  any  pretext  whatever.     For  a  belligerant  to  relax  a  block 
ade,  which  it  could  not  maintain,  with  a  view  to  absolve  itself 
from  the  obligation  to  maintain  it,  would  be  a  refinement  in  in 
justice,  not  less  insulting  to  the  understanding  than  repugnant 
to  the  law  of  nations.     To  claim  merit  for  the  mitigation  of  an 
evil,  which  the  party  either  had  not  the  power,  or  found  it  inconve 
nient  to  inflict,  would  be  a  new  mode  of  encroaching  on  neutral 
rights.     Your  committee  think  it  just  to  remark,  that  this  act  of 
the  British  government  does  not  appear  to  have  been  adopted  in 
the  sense  in  which  it  has  been  since  construed.     On   considera 
tion  of  all  the  circumstances  attending  the  measure,  and  particu 
larly  the  character  of  the  distinguished  statesman  who  announced 


19 

it,  we  are  persuaded  that  it  was  conceived  in  a  spirit  of  concilia 
tion,  and  intended  to  lead  to  an  accommodation  of  all  differences 
between  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain.  His  death  disap 
pointed  that  hope,  and  the  act  has  since  become  subservient  to 
other  purposes.  It  has  been  made  by  his  successors  a  pretext 
for  that  vast  system  of  usurpation,  which  has  so  long  oppressed 
and  harrassed  our  commerce. 

The  next  act  of  the  British  government  which  claims  our 
attention,  is  the  order  of  council  of  January  7,  1807,  by  which 
neutral  powers  are  prohibited  trading  from  one  port  to  another 
of  France  or  her  allies,  or  any  other  country  with  which  Great 
Britain  might  not  freely  trade.  By  this  order  the  pretension  of 
England,  heretofore  claimed  by  every  other  power,  to  prohibit 
neutrals  disposing  of  parts  of  their  cargoes  at  different  ports  of 
the  same  enemy,  is  revived,  and  with  vast  accumulation  of  injury. 
Every  enemy,  however  great  the  number  or  distant  from  each 
other,  is  considered  one,  and  the  like  trade  even  with  powers  at 
peace  with  England,  who  from  motives  of  policy  had  excluded 
or  restrained  her  commerce,  was  also  prohibited.  In  this  act  the 
British  government  evidently  disclaimed  all  regard  for  neutral 
rights.  Aware  that  the  measures  authorized  by  it  could  find  no 
pretext  in  any  belligerant  right,  none  was  urged.  To  prohibit 
the  sale  of  our  produce,  consisting  of  innocent  articles,  at  any 
port  of  a  belligerant,  not  blockaded,  to  consider  every  belligerant 
as  one,  and  subject  neutrals  to  the  same  restraints  with  all,  as  if 
there  was  but  one,  were  bold  encroachments.  But  to  restrain  or 
in  any  manner  interfere  with  our  commerce  with  neutral  nations 
with  whom  Great  Britain  was  at  peace,  and  against  whom  she 
had  no  justifiable  cause  of  war,  for  the  sole  reason  that  they 
restrained  or  excluded  from  their  ports  her  commerce,  was  utter 
ly  incompatible  with  the  pacific  relations  subsisting  between  the 
two  countries. 

We  proceed  to  bring  into  view  the  British  order  in  council  of 
November  llth,  1807,  which  superseded  every  other  order,  and 
consummated  that  system  ol  hostility  on  the  commerce  of  the 
United  States  which  has  been  since  so  steadily  pursued.  By  this 
order  all  France  and  her  allies,  and  every  other  country  at  war 
with  Great  Britain,  or  with  which  she  was  not  at  war,  from  which 
the  British  flag  was  excluded,  and  all  the  colonies  of  her  enemies, 
were  subjected  to  the  same  restrictions  as  if  they  were  actually 
blockaded  in  the  most  strict  and  rigorous  manner,  and  all  trade 
in  articles  the  produce  and  manufacture  of  the  said  countries  and 
colonies,  and  the  vessels  engaged  in  it,  were  subjected  to  capture 
and  condemnation  as  lawful  prize.  To  this  order  certain  ex 
ceptions  were  made,  which  we  forbear  to  notice,  because  they 
were  not  adopted  from  a  regard  to  neutral  rights,  but  were  dic 
tated  by  policy  to  promote  the  commerce  of  England,  and  so  far 
as  they  related  to  neutral  powers,  were  said  to  emanate  from  the 
clemency  of  the  British  government. 


20 

It  would  be  superfluous  in  your  committee  to  state,  that  by 
this  order  the  British  government  declared  direct  and  positive 
war  against  the  United  States.  The  dominion  of  the  ocean  was 
completely  usurped  by  it,  all  commerce  forbidden,  and  every  flag 
driven  from  it,  or  subjected  to  capture  and  condemnation,  which 
did  not  subserve  the  policy  of  the  British  government  by  paying 
it  a  tribute  and  sailing  under  its  sanction.  From  this  perioa  the 
United  States  have  incurred  the  heaviest  losses  and  most  morti 
fying  humiliations.  They  have  borne  the  calamities  of  war  with 
out  retorting  them  on  its  authors. 

So  far  your  committee  has  presented  to  the  view  of  the  house 
the  aggressions  which  have  been  committed  under  the  authority 
of  the  British  government  on  the  commerce  of  the  United  States. 
We  will  now  proceed  to  other  wrongs,  which  have  been  still  more 
severely  felt.  Among  these  is  the  impressment  of  our  seamen,  a 
practice  which  has  been  unceasingly  maintained  by  Great  Britain 
in  the  wars  to  which  she  has  been  a  party  since  our  revolution. 
Your  committee  cannot  convey,  in  adequate  terms,  the  deep  sense 
which  they  entertain  of  the  injustice  and  oppression  of  this  pro 
ceeding.  Under  the  pretext  of  impressing  British  seamen,  our 
fellow-citizens  are  seized  in  British  ports,  on  the  high  seas,  and 
in  every  other  quarter  to  which  the  British  power  extends,  are 
taken  on  board  British  men  of  war  and  compelled  to  serve  there 
as  British  subjects.  In  this  mode  our  citizens  are  wantonly 
snatched  from  their  country  and  their  families,  deprived  of  their 
liberty  and  doomed  to  an  ignominious  and  slavish  bondage,  com 
pelled  to  fight  the  battles  of  a  foreign  country,  and  often  to  perish 
in  them.  Our  flag  has  given  them  no  protection ;  it  has  been 
unceasingly  violated,  and  our  vessels  exposed  to  danger  by  the 
loss  of  the  men  taken  from  them.  Your  committee  need  not  re 
mark,  that  while  this  practice  is  continued,  it  is  impossible  for 
the  United  States  to  consider  themselves  an  independent  nation. 
Every  new  case  is  a  new  proof  of  their  degradation.  Its  continu 
ance  is  the  more  unjustifiable,  because  the  United  States  have 
repeatedly  proposed  to  the  British  government  an  arrangement 
which  would  secure  to  it  the  controul  of  its  own  people.  An 
exemption  of  the  citizens  of  the  United  States  from  this  degrad 
ing  oppression,  and  their  flag  from  violation,  is  all  that  they  have 
sought. 

This  lawless  waste  of  our  trade,  and  equally  unlawful  im 
pressment  of  our  seamen,  have  been  much  aggravated  by  the 
insults  and  indignities  attending  them.  Under  the  pretext  of 
blockading  the  harbours  of  France  and  her  allies,  British  squad 
rons  have  been  stationed  on  our  own  coast,  to  watch  and  annoy 
our  own  trade.  To  give  effect  to  the  blockade  of  European  ports, 
the  ports  and  harbours  of  the  United  States  have  been  blockaded. 
In  executing  these  orders  of  the  British  government,  or  in  obey 
ing  the  spirit  which  was  known  to  animate  it,  the  commanders 
of  these  squadrons  have  encroached  on  our  jurisdiction,  seized 


21 

our  vessels,  and  carried  into  effect  impressments  within  our 
limits,  and  done  other  acts  of  great  injustice,  violence  and  op 
pression.  The  United  States  have  seen,  with  mingled  indigna 
tion  and  surprise,  that  these  acts,  instead  of  procuring  to  the 
perpetrators  the  punishment  due  to  unauthorized  crimes,  have 
not  failed  to  recommend  them  to  the  favour  of  their  government. 

Whether  the  British  government  has  contributed  by  active 
measures  to  excite  against  us  the  hostility  of  the  savage  tribes 
on  our  frontiers,  your  committee  are  not  disposed  to  occupy 
much  time  in  investigating.  Certain  indications  of  general  noto 
riety  may  supply  the  place  of  authentic  documents  ;  though 
these  have  not  been  wanting  to  establish  the  fact,  in  some  in 
stances.  It  is  known  that  symptoms  of  British  hostility  towards 
the  United  States  have  never  failed  to  produce  corresponding 
symptoms  among  those  tribes.  It  is  also  well  known,  that  on  all 
such  occasions,  abundant  supplies  of  the  ordinary  munitions  of 
war  have  been  afforded  by  the  agents  of  British  commercial 
companies,  and  even  from  British  garrisons,  wherewith  they 
were  enabled  to  commence  that  system  of  savage  warfare  on  our 
frontiers,  which  has  been  at  all  times  indiscriminate  in  its  effect, 
on  all  ages,  sexes,  and  conditions,  and  so  revolting  to  humanity. 

Your  committee  would  be  much  gratified  if  they  could  close 
here  the  detail  of  British  wrongs  ;  but  it  is  their  duty  to 
recite  another  act  of  still  greater  malignity,  than  any  of  those 
which  have  been  already  brought  to  your  view.  The  attempt  to 
dismember  our  union  and  overthrow  our  excellent  constitution, 
by  a  secret  mission,  the  object  of  which  was  to  foment  discontents 
and  excite  insurrection  against  the  constituted  authorities  and 
laws  of  the  nation,  as  lately  disclosed  by  the  agent  employed  in 
it,  affords  full  proof  that  there  is  no  bound  to  the  hostility  of  the 
British  government  towards  the  United  States — no  act,  however 
unjustifiable,  which  it  would  not  commit  to  accomplish  their 
ruin.  This  attempt  excites  the  greater  horror  from  the  consi 
deration  that  it  was  made  while  the  United  States  and  Great 
Britain  were  at  peace,  and  an  amicable  negotiation  was  depend 
ing  between  them,  for  the  accommodation  of  their  differences, 
through  public  ministers  regularly  authorized  for  the  purpose. 

The  United  States  have  beheld,  with  unexampled  forbearance, 
this  continued  series  of  hostile  encroachments  on  their  rights 
and  interests,  in  the  hope,  that,  yielding  to  the  force  of  friendly 
remonstrances,  often  repeated,  the  British  government  might 
adopt  a  more  just  policy  towards  them  ;  but  that  hope  no  longer 
exists.  They  have  also  weighed  impartially  the  reasons  which 
have  been  urged  by  the  British  government  in  vindication  of 
those  encroachments,  and  found  in  them  neither  justification  nor 
apology. 

The  British  government  has  alleged,  in  vindication  of  the 
orders  in  council,  that  they  were  resorted  to  as  a  retaliation  on 
France,  for  similar  aggressions  committed  by  her  on  our  neutral 


22 

trade  with  British  dominions.  But  how  has  this  plea  been  sup 
ported  ?  The  dates  of  British  and  French  aggressions  are  well 
known  to  the  world.  Their  origin  and  progress  have  been  marked 
with  too  wide  and  destructive  a  waste  of  the  property  of  our 
fellow-citizens,  to  have  been  forgotten.  The  decree  of  Berlin 
of  November  21,  1806,  was  the  first  aggression  of  France  in  the 
present  war.  Eighteen  months  had  then  elapsed  after  the 
attack  made  by  Great  Britain  on  our  neutral  trade  with  the 
colonies  of  France  and  her  allies,  and  six  months  from  the  date 
of  the  proclamation  of  May,  1806.  Even  on  the  seventh  of 
January,  1807,  the  date  of  the  first  British  order  in  council,  so 
short  a  term  had  elapsed,  after  the  Berlin  decree,  that  it  was 
hardly  possible  that  the  intelligence  of  it  should  have  reached  the 
United  States.  A  retaliation  which  is  to  produce  its  effect,  by 
operating  on  a  neutral  power,  ought  not  to  be  resorted  to,  'till 
the  neutral  had  justified  it  by  a  culpable  acquiescence  in  the  un 
lawful  act  of  the  other  belligerant.  It  ought  to  be  delayed  until 
after  sufficient  time  had  been  allowed  to  the  neutral  to  remon 
strate  against  the  measures  complained  of,  to  receive  an  answer 
and  to  act  on  it,  which  had  not  been  done  in  the  present  instance ; 
and  when  the  order  of  November  11,  was  issued,  it  is  well 
known  that  a  minister  of  France  had  declared  to  the  minister 
plenipotentiary  of  the  United  States  at  Paris,  that  it  was  not 
intended  that  the  decree  of  Berlin  should  apply  to  the  United 
States.  It  is  equally  well  known,  that  no  American  vessel  had  then 
been  condemned  under  it,  or  seizure  been  made,  with  which 
the  British  government  was  acquainted.  The  facts  prove  incon- 
testibly,  that  the  measures  of  France,  however  unjustifiable  in 
themselves,  were  nothing  more  than  a  pretext  for  those  of  Eng 
land.  And  of  the  insufficiency  of  that  pretext,  ample  proof  has 
already  been  afforded  by  the  British  government  itself,  and  in 
the  most  impressive  form.  Although  it  was  declared  that  the 
orders  in  council  were  retaliatory  on  France  for  her  decrees,  it 
was  also  declared,  and  in  the  orders  themselves,  that  owing  to 
the  superiority  of  the  British  navy,  by  which  the  fleets  of  France 
and  her  allies  were  confined  within  their  own  ports,  the  French 
decrees  were  considered  only  as  empty  threats. 

It  is  no  justification  of  the  wrongs  of  one  power,  that  the  like 
were  committed  by  another,  nor  ought  the  fact,  if  true,  to  have 
been  urged  by  either,  as  it  could  afford  no  proof  of  its  love  of 
justice,  of  its  magnanimity,  or  even  of  its  courage.  It  is  more 
worthy  the  government  of  a  great  nation,  to  relieve  than  to  assail 
the  injured.  Nor  can  a  repetition  of  the  wrongs  by  another  power 
repair  the  violated  rights  or  wounded  honour  of  the  injured  party. 
An  utter  inability  alone  to  resist,  would  justify  a  quiet  surrender 
of  our  rights,  and  degrading  submission  to  the  will  of  others.  To 
that  condition  the  United  States  are  not  reduced,  nor  do  they  fear 
it.  That  they  ever  consented  to  discuss  with  either  power  the 
misconduct  of  the  other,  is  a  proof  of  their  love  of  peace,  of  their 


23 

moderation,  and  of  the  hope  which  they  still  indulged,  that 
friendly  appeals  to  just  and  generous  sentiments  would  not  be 
made  to  them  in  vain.  But  the  motive  was  mistaken,  if  their 
forbearance  was  imputed,  either  to  the  want  of  a  just  sensibility 
to  their  wrongs,  or  a  determination,  if  suitable  redress  was  not 
obtained,  to  resent  them.  The  time  has  now  arrived  when  this 
system  of  reasoning  must  cease.  It  would  be  insulting  to  repeat 
it.  It  would  be  degrading  to  hear  it.  The  United  States  must 
act  as  an  independent  nation,  and  assert  their  rights  and  avenge 
their  wrongs,  according  to  their  own  estimate  of  them,  with  the 
party  who  commits  them,  holding  it  responsible  for  its  own 
misdeeds,  unmitigated  by  those  of  another. 

For  the  difference  made  between  Great  Britain  and  France,  by 
the  application  of  the  non -importation  act  against  England  only, 
the  motive  has  been  already  too  often  explained,  and  is  too  well 
known  to  require  further  illustration.  In  the  commercial  restric 
tions  to  which  the  United  States  resorted  as  an  evidence  of  their 
sensibility,  and  a  mild  retaliation  of  their  wrongs,  they  invariably 
placed  both  powers  on  the  same  footing,  holding  out  to  each  in 
respect  to  itself,  the  same  accommodation,  in  case  it  accepted  the 
condition  offered,  and  in  respect  to  the  other,  the  same  restraint, 
if  it  refused.  Had  the  British  government  confirmed  the  arrange 
ment  which  was  entered  into  with  the  British  minister  in  1809, 
and  France  maintained  her  decrees  with  France  would  the 
United  States  have  had  to  resist,  with  the  firmness  belonging  to 
their  character,  the  continued  violation  of  their  rights.  The 
committee  do  not  hesitate  to  declare  that  France  has  greatly  in 
jured  the  United  States,  and  that  satisfactory  reparation  has  not 
yet  been  made  for  many  of  those  injuries.  But  that  is  a  concern 
which  the  United  States  will  look  to  and  settle  for  themselves. 
The  high  character  of  the  American  people,  is  a  sufficient  pledge 
to  the  world,  that  they  will  not  fail  to  settle  it,  on  conditions 
which  they  have  a  right  to  claim 

More  recently  the  true  policy  of  the  British  government 
towards  the  United  States  has  been  completely  unfolded.  It 
has  been  publicly  declared  by  those  in  power  that  the  orders  in 
council  should  not  be  repealed  until  the  French  government  had 
revoked  all  its  internal  restraints  on  the  British  commerce,  and 
that  the  trade  of  the  United  States  with  France  and  her  allies, 
should  be  prohibited  until  Great  Britain  was  allowed  to  trade  with 
them.  By  this  declaration  it  appears,  that  to  satisfy  the  preten 
sions  of  the  British  government,  the  United  States  must  join 
Great  Britain  in  the  war  with  France,  and  prosecute  the  war, 
until  France  should  be  subdued,  for  without  her  subjugation,  it 
were  in  vain  to  presume  on  such  a  concession.  The  hostility  of 
the  British  government  to  these  states  has  been  still  further  dis 
closed.  It  has  been  made  manifest  that  the  United  States  are 
considered  by  it  as  the  commercial  rival  of  Great  Britain,  and  that 
their  prosperity  and  growth  are  incompatible  with  her  welfare. 


24 

When  all  these  circumstances  are  taken  into  consideration, 
it  is  impossible  for  your  committee  to  doubt  the  motives  which 
have  governed  the  British  ministry  in  all  its  measures  towards 
the  United  States  since  the  year  1805.  Equally  is  it  impossible 
to  doubt,  longer,  the  course  which  the  United  States  ought  to 
pursue  towards  Great  Britain. 

From  this  view  of  the  multiplied  wrongs  of  the  British  govern 
ment  since  the  commencement  of  the  present  war,  it  must  be 
evident  to  the  impartial  world,  that  the  contest  which  is  now 
forced  on  the  United  States,  is  radically  a  contest  for  their 
sovereignty  and  independence.  Your  committee  will  not  enlarge 
on  any  of  the  injuries,  however  great,  which  have  had  a  transitory 
effect.  They  wish  to  call  the  attention  of  the  house  to  those  of  a 
permanent  nature  only,  which  intrench  so  deeply  on^rur  most  im 
portant  rights,  and  wound  so  extensively  and  vitally  our  best  in 
terests,  as  could  not  fail  to  deprive  the  United  States  of  the  princi 
pal  advantages  of  their  revolution,  if  submitted  to.  The  controulof 
our  commerce  by  Great  Britain,  in  regulating  at  pleasure  and  ex 
pelling  it  almost  from  the  ocean  ;  the  oppressive  manner  in  which 
these  regulations  have  been  carried  into  effect,  by  seizing  and  con 
fiscating  such  of  our  vessels  with  their  cargoes,  as  were  said  to 
have  violated  her  edicts,  often  without  previous  warning  of 
their  danger ;  the  impressment  of  our  citizens  from  on  board 
our  own  vessels,  on  the  high  seas,  and  elsewhere,  and  hold 
ing  them  in  bondage  until  it  suited  the  convenience  of  their 
oppressors  to  deliver  them  up,  are  encroachments  of  that  high 
and  dangerous  tendency  which  could  not  fail  to  produce  that 
pernicious  effect,  nor  would  these  be  the  only  consequences  that 
would  result  from  it.  The  British  government  might,  for  a 
while,  be  satisfied  with  the  ascendency  thus  gained  over  us,  but 
its  pretensions  would  soon  increase.  The  proof,  which  so  com 
plete  and  disgraceful  a  submission  to  its  authority  would  afford 
of  our  degeneracy,  could  not  fail  to  inspire  confidence  that  there 
was  no  limit  to  which  its  usurpations  and  our  degradation  might 
not  be  carried. 

Your  committee  believing  that  the  free  born  sons  of  America 
are  worthy  to  enjoy  the  liberty  which  their  fathers  purchased  at 
the  price  of  so  much  blood  and  treasure,  and  seeing,  in  the  mea 
sures  adopted  by  Great  Britain,  a  course  commenced  and  persist 
ed  in,  which  must  lead  to  a  loss  of  national  character  and 
independence,  feel  no  hesitation  in  advising  resistance  by 
force,  in  which  the  Americans  of  the  present  day,  will  prove  to 
the  enemy  and  to  the  world,  that  we  have  not  only  inherited  that 
liberty  which  our  fathers  gave  us,  but  also  the  WILL  and  POWER 
to  maintain  it  Relying  on  the  patriotism  of  the  nation,  and 
confidently  trusting  that  the  Lord  of  Hosts  will  go  with  us  to 
battle  in  a  righteous  cause,  and  crown  our  efforts  with  success*— 
your  committee  recommend  an  immediate  appeal  to  ARMS. 


35 

AN  ACT, 

Declaring  War  between  the  United  Kingdom  of  Great  Britain 
and  Ireland  and  the  dependencies  thereof,  and  the  United  States 
of  America  and  their  territories. 

BE  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of 
the  United  States  of  America  in  Congress  assembled,  That  War 
be,  and  the  same  is  hereby  declared  to  exist  between  the  United 
Kingdom  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland  and  the  dependencies 
thereof,  and  the  United  States  of  America  and  their  territories ; 
and  that  the  President  of  the  United  States  be,  and  he  is  hereby 
authorized  to  use  the  whole  land  and  naval  force  of  the  United 
States  to  carry  the  same  into  eifect,  and  to  issue  to  private  armed 
vessels  of  the  United  States  commissions  or  letters  of  marque 
and  general  reprisal,  in  such  form  as  he  shall  think  proper,  and 
under  the  seal  of  the  United  States,  against  the  vessels,  goods 
and  effects  of  the  government  of  the  same  United  Kingdom  of 
Great  Britain  and  Ireland,  and  the  subjects  thereof. 
June  18, 1812. 

APPROVED, 

JAMES  MADISON. 


On  the  passage  of  the  preceding  Act,  the  vote,  in  the  House  of 
Representatives  was  as  follows,  viz. 

IN  THE  AFFIRMATIVE. 

Ne-w-HampsMre — Samuel  Dinsmoor, 
Obed  Hall,  John  A.  Harper,  3. 

Massachusetts — Francis  Carr,  Isaiah 
L.  Green,  William  M.  Richardson,  Eb- 
enezer  Seaver,  Charles  Turner,  jun. 
William  Widgery,  6. 

Rhode-Island — None. 

Connecticut — None . 

Vermont — James  Fisk,  Saml.  Shaw, 
William  Strong,  3. 

New- York — Daniel  Avery,  Benja 
min  Pond,  Ebenezer  Sage,  3. 

New-Jersey — Lewis  Condict,  James 
Morgan,  2. 

Pennsylvania — William  Anderson, 
David  Bard,  Robert  Brown,  William 
Crawford,  Roger  Davis,  William  Find- 
ley,  John  M.  Hyneman,  Abner  La- 
cock,  Joseph  Lefevre,  Aaron  Lyle, 
William  Piper,  Jonathan  Roberts, 
Adam  Seybert,  John  Smilie,  George 
Smith,  Robert  Whitehill,  16. 

Delaware — None . 

Maryland — Stevenson  Archer,  Jo 
seph  Kent,  Peter  Little,  Alexr.  M'Kim, 
SamL  Ringgold,  Robt.  Wright,    6. 
4 


Virginia — Burwell  Bassett,  William 
A.  Burwell,  John  Clopton,  John 
Dawson,  Thomas  Gholson,  Peterson 
Goodwyn,  Aylett  Hawes,  William 
M'Coy,  Hugh  Nelson,  Thomas  New 
ton,  James  Pleasants,  jr.  John  Roane, 
John  Smith,  John  Tali'aferro,  14. 

North- Carolina — Willis  Alston,  jr. 
William  Blackledge,  James  Cochran, 
William  R.  King,  Nathaniel  Macon, 
Israel  Pickens,  6. 

South- Carolina — Wm.  Butler,  John 
C.  Calhoun,  Langdon  Cheves,  Elias 
Earle,  William  Lowndes,  Thomas 
Moore,  David  R.  Williams,  Richard 
Winn,  8. 

Geor^a— William  W.  Bibb,  Boi 
ling  Hall,  George  M.  Troup,  3. 

Kentucky — Joseph  Desha,  Richard 
M.  Johnson,  Samuel  M'Kee,  Anthony 
New,  Stephen  Ormsby,  5. 

Temnessee-Felix  Grundy,  John  Rhea, 
John  Sevier,  3. 

Ohio — Jeremiah  Morrow,     1. 


IN  THE  NEGATIVE. 


New  Hampshire— rJosiah  Bartlett, 
George  Sullivan,     2 

Massachusetts-Elijah  Brigham,  Wm. 

Ely,  Josiah  Quincy, Reed,  Samuel 

Taggart,  Peleg  Tallman,  Laban  Whea- 
ton,  Leonard  White,     8. 

Rhode  Island — Richard  Jackson,  jr. 
Elisha  R.  Potter,  2. 

Connecticut — Epaphroditus  Cham 
pion,  John  Davenport,  jr.  Lyman  Law, 
Jonathan  O.  Moseley,  Timothy  Pitkin, 
Lewis  B.  Sturges,  Benjamin  Tall- 
Uiadge,  7. 

Vermont — Martin  Chittenden,  1. 
New  York — Hermanns  Bleeker, 
Thomas  B.  Cooke,  James  Emot,  Asa 
Fitch,  Thomas  R.  Gold,  Arunah  Met- 
calf,  Samuel  L.  Mitchell,  Thomas  Sam- 
mons,  Silas  Stow,  Uriah  Tracy,  Pierre 
Van  Cortlandt,jr.  11. 

New  Jersey — Adam  Boyd,  Jacob 
Hufty,  George  C.  Maxwell,  Thomas 
Newbold,  4. 


Pennsylvania — James  Milnor,  Wil 
liam  Rodman,  2. 

Delaware — Henry  M.  Ridgely,     1. 

Maryland — Charles  Goldsborough, 
Philip  B.  Key,  Philip  Stuart,  3. 

Virginia — John  Baker,  James  Breck- 
enridge,  Joseph  Lewis,  jr.  John  Ran 
dolph,  Thomas  Wilson,  5. 

North  Caro&Vm-Archibald  M'Bride, 
Joseph  Pearson,  Richard  Stanford,  3. 

South  Carolina — None. 

Georgia — None . 

Kentucky — Non  e . 

Tennessee — None. 

Ohio — None. 


YEAS, 

NAYS, 


79 
49 


Majority  for  War, 


IN  THE  SENATE. 


YEAS. 


New  ffampsMre — Charles  Cutts, 

Massachusetts — Joseph  B.  Varnum, 

Vermont — Jonathan  Robinson, 

New  York — John  Smith, 

New  Jersey — John  Condit, 

Pennsylvania — Andrew    Gregg,    Mi 
chael  Leib, 

Maryland — Samuel  Smith, 

Virginia — Richard  Brent,  William  B. 
Giles, 

North  Carolina — Jesse  Franklin, 
James  Turner, 

South  Carolina — John  Gaillard,  John 
Taylor, 

Georgia — Wm.  H.  Crawford,  Charles 
Tait, 

Kentucky — George  M.  Bibb, 

Tennessee — Joseph  Anderson,  George 
W,  Campbell. 


NAYS. 


New  Hampshire — Nicholas  Gilman, 

Massachusetts — James  Lloyd, 

Connecticut — Saml.  W.  Dana,  Chaun- 
cey  Goodrich, 

Rhode  Island— Jeremiah  B.  Howell, 
William  Hunter, 

New  York — Obadiah  German, 

New  Jersey — John  Lambert, 

Delaware — James  A.  Bayard,  Outer- 
bridge  Horsey, 

Maryland—  Philip  Reed, 

Kentucky — John  Pope, 

Ohio — Thomas  Worthington. 


YEAS, 

NAYS, 


19 
13 


Majority  for  War, 


[DECLARATION  OF  WAR  ANNOUNCED. 

BY  THE  PRESIDENT  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA 

A  PROCLAMATION. 

WHEREAS  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  by  virtue  of  the 
constituted  authority  vested  in  them,  have  decided  by  their  act, 
bearing  date  the  eighteenth  day  of  the  present  month,  that  war 
exists  between  the  United  Kingdom  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland, 
and  the  dependencies  thereof,  and  the  United  States  of  America 
and  their  territories :  Now  therefore,  I,  JAMES  MADISON,  Presi 
dent  of  the  United  States  of  America,  do  hereby  proclaim  the 
same  to  all  whom  it  may  concern;  and  I  do  especially  enjoin  on 
all  persons  holding  offices,  civil  or  military,  under  the  authority 
of  the  United  States,  that  they  be  vigilant  and  zealous  in  dis 
charging  the  duties  respectively  incident  thereto;  and  I  do  more 
over  exhort  all  the  good  people  of  the  United  States,  as  they  love 
their  country ;  as  they  value  the  precious  heritage  derived  from 
the  virtue  and  valor  of  their  fathers ;  as  thev  teel  the  wrongs 
which  have  forced  on  them  the  last  resort  of  injured  nations ; 
and  as  they  consult  the  best  means,  under  the  blessings  of  Divine 
Providence,  of  abridging  its  calamities ;  that  thej  exert  them- 
fselves  in  preserving  order,  in  promoting  concord,  in  maintaining 
the  authority  and  the  efficacy  of  the  laws,  and  in  supporting  and 
invigorating  all  the  measures  which  may  be  adopted  by  the  con 
stituted  authorities,  for  obtaining  a  speedy,  a  just,  and  an  honour 
able  peace. 

IN  TESTIMONY  WHEREOF,  I  have  hereunto  set  my 
hand,  and  caused  the  seal  of  the  United  States 

eto  be  affixed  to  these  presents.  Done  at  the  city 
of  Washington,  the  nineteenth  day  of  June,  one 
thousand  eight  hundred  and  twelve,  and  of  the 
Independence  of  the  United  States  the  thirty- 
sixth. 

JAMES  MADISON. 

By  the  President, 

JAMES  MONROE, 

Secretary  of  State, 


OFFICIAL 


BLACK  ROCK,  June  28, 1812, 

SIR, 

THERE  is  every  reason  to  believe  that  the  British  meditate 
an  attack  on  Fort  Niagara,  and  that  it  may  be  attempted  within 
twenty -four  hours  from  this  time.  If  they  once  pass  the  river 
it  is  impossible  to  say  how  far  they  may  proceed.  Under  these 
very  urgent  circumstances,  I  despatch  an  express  to  request  that 
you  will  immediately  march  the  men  under  your  command  to  our 
assistance.  Although  you  may  not  have  received  orders  autho 
rizing  you  to  comply  with  this  request,  I  am  persuaded  the  oc 
casion  will  justify  you,  as  your  men  can  be  of  no  possible  use 
at  Canandaigua,  or  any  other  place  along  the  south  shore  ot 
the  lake,  and  are  undoubtedly  intended,  ultimately,  for  this 
place.  Bring  with  you  all  the  arms  and  ammunition  in  the 
Canandaigua  arsenal. 

In  great  haste,  yours  respectfully, 

PETER  B.  PORTER,  Q.  M.  G. 
of  the  State  of  New -York. 

Maj.  Mullany,  commanding- at  Canandaigua. 

[Major  General  Hall  addressed  Major  Mullany  by  the  same  conveyance., 
and  equally  urgent,  with  an  assurance  that  the  people  \voulclbear  him  harm 
less  in  the  event  of  his  being  censured  by  the  government  for  marching  for 
their  protection,  &e.  &e.] 


30 


CANANDAIGUA,  June  29,  1812, 

9  o'clock  Jl.  M. 

SIR, 

I  avail  myself  of  the  same  express  which  conveyed  me  the 
letter  of  general  Porter  and  yours  of  yesterday,  to  inform  you 
that  I  will  not  hesitate  in  assuming  the  responsibility  of  marching 
for  the  defence  and  protection  of  the  Niagara  frontier  under  ex 
isting  circumstances  ;  should  I  be  fortunate  in  preventing  or 
repelling  invasion,  and  inspiring  our  frontier  settlers  with  con 
fidence,  I  shall  feel  well  rewarded. 

It  is  only  two  months  .  'nee  I  arrived  in  the  district,  and  com 
menced  the  recruiting  service,  and  with  the  blessing  of  Provi 
dence  I  will  march  by  two  o'clock  to  day,  three  companies  of 
infantry  and  one  of  artillery,  and  I  trust  I  will  quarter  with 
them  in  fort  Niagara  on  the  4th  of  July.  Be  pleased  to  make  this 
known  to  general  Porter,  and  inform  him  that  the  arms  and  am 
munition  will  accompany  my  command. 

Respectfully  yours, 

JS.  ROBT.  MULLANY, 

Major  U.  8.  Infantry. 

To  Major  Genl.  Hall,  Batavia. 


BY  WILLIAM  HULL, 

Brigadier  general  and  commander  in  chief  of  the  North-western 
army  of  the  United  States. 

A  PROCLAMATION. 

INHABITANTS  OF  CANADA  ! 

After  thirty  years  of  peace  and  prosperity,  the  United  States 
have  been  driven  to  arms.  The  injuries  and  aggressions,  the  in 
sults  and  indignities  of  Great  Britain,  have  once  more  left  them 
no  alternative  but  manly  resistance  or  unconditional  submission. 
The  army  under  my  command  has  invaded  your  country,  and  the 
standard  of  union  now  waves  over  the  territory  of  Canada.  To 
the  peaceable,  unoffending  inhabitant,  it  brings  neither  danger  nor 
difficulty.  I  come  to  find  enemies,  not  to  make  them ;  I  come  to 
protect,  not  to  injure  you. 

Separated  by  an  immense  ocean  and  an  extensive  wilderness 
from  Great  Britain,  you  have  no  participation  in  her  councils,  no 
interest  in  her  conduct;  you  have  felt  her  tyranny,  you  have  seen 
her  injustice,  but  I  do  riot  ask  you  to  revenge  the  one,  or  to  redress 
the  other.  The  United  States  are  sufficiently  powerful  to  afford 
every  security  consistent  with  their  rights  and  your  expectations. 


31 

I  tender  you  the  invaluable  blessing  of  civil,  political  and  religious 
liberty,  and  their  necessary  result,  individual  and  general  prospe 
rity.  That  liberty  which  gave  decision  to  our  councils  and  en 
ergy  to  our  conduct,  in  a  struggle  for  independence,  and  which 
conducted  us  safe  and  triumphantly  through  the  stormy  period 
of  the  revolution.  That  liberty  which  has  raised  us  to  an  elevated 
rank  among  the  nations  of  the  world,  and  which  afforded  us  a 
greater  measure  of  peace  and  security,  of  wealth  and  improve 
ment,  than  ever  fell  to  the  lot  of  any  country. 

In  the  name  of  my  country,  and  by  the  authority  of  govern 
ment,  I  promise  you  protection  to  your  persons,  property  and 
rights ;  remain  at  your  homes,  pursue  your  peaceful  and  customary 
avocations,  raise  not  your  hands  against  your  brethren.  Many 
of  your  fathers  fought  for  the  freedom  and  independence  we  now 
enjoy.  Being  children,  therefore,  of  the  same  family  with  us,  and 
heirs  to  the  same  heritage,  the  arrival  of  an  army  of  friends 
must  be  hailed  by  you  with  a  cordial  welcome.  You  will  be  eman 
cipated  from  tyranny  and  oppression,  and  restored  to  the  dig 
nified  station  of  freemen.  Had  I  any  doubt  of  eventual  success, 
I  might  ask  your  assistance,  but  I  do  not.  I  come  prepared  for 
every  contingency.  I  have  a  force  which  will  look  down  all  op 
position.  And  that  force  is  but  the  van-guard  of  a  much  greater. 
If,  contrary  to  your  own  interest  and  the  just  expectation  of  my 
country,  you  should  take  part  in  the  approaching  contest,  you 
will  be  considered  and  treated  as  enemies,  and  the  horrors  and 
calamities  of  war  will  stalk  before  you.  If  the  barbarous  and 
savage  policy  of  Great  Britain  be  pursued,  and  the  savages  be  let 
loose  to  murder  our  citizens,  and  butcher  our  women  and  children, 
this  war  will  be  a  war  of  extermination.  The  first  stroke  of  the 
tomahawk,  the  first  attempt  with  the  scalping  knife,  will  be  the 
signal  of  one  indiscriminate  scene  of  desolation  No  white  man 
found  fighting  by  the  side  of  an  Indian  will  be  taken  prisoner; 
instant  destruction  will  be  his  lot.  If  the  dictates  of  reason, 
duty,  justice  and  humanity,  cannot  prevent  the  employment  of  a 
force  which  respects  no  rights,  and  knows  no  wrong,  it  will  be 
prevented  by  a  severe  and  relentless  system  of  retaliation.  I 
doubt  not  your  courage  and  firmness.  I  will  not  doubt  your  at 
tachment  to  liberty.  The  United  States  offer  you  peace,  liberty 
and  security — your  choice  lies  between  these  and  war,  slavery 
and  destruction.  Choose  then,  but  choose  wisely ;  and  may  He 
who  knows  the  justice  of  our  cause,  and  who  holds  in  his  hands 
the  fate  of  nations,  guide  you  to  a  result  the  most  compatible 
with  your  rights  and  interests,  your  peace  and  happiness. 

By  the  General, 

A.  P.  HULL, 

Captain  of  the  13th  U.  S,  reg.  of  Infantry  and  Aid  de*camp, 

HEAD  QUARTERS, 

8anfhvich>  July  12,  1812. 


WILKINSON'S  GENERAL  ORDER. 

HEAD-QUARTERS,  NEW-ORLEANS,  July  15, 1812. 

^Brigadier  General  Wilkinson  resumes  his  command  of  the 
district  of  the  Mississippi. 

The  eventful  moment  in  which  he  enters  on  the  arduous  and 
critical  duties  of  his  station,  will,  he  trusts,  justify  the  deviation 
from  ordinary  rule,  when  he  appeals  to  the  pride,  the  spirit,  honour, 
zeal  and  patriotism  of  those  who  may  be  placed  under  his  orders. 

After  a  series  of  long  continued  aggressions,  which  the  love  of 
peace  only  could  have  induced  the  American  people  to  tolerate ; 
after  reiterated  wrongs  without  remedy  or  relief;  after  having 
drained  the  cup  of  conciliation  to  its  very  dregs  ;  the  govern 
ment  of  the  United  States  of  America  have  been  driven  to  the 
last  appeal  of  nations  in  support  of  its  independence,  and  to 
assert  those  inalienable  rights  which  are  derived  from  God  and 
nature.  The  patience  and  forbearance  which  have  marked  the 
course  of  the  public  councils  furnish  the  strongest  assurance  of 
the  firmness  and  inflexibility  with  which  that  course  will  be 
maintained  until  its  objects  are  accomplished. 

The  crisis  is  imperative,  and  the  call  to  arms  must  alike 
animate  every  citizen  and  every  soldier.  But  we  owe  still  mora 
to  the  public  service  and  the  common  safety  of  our  beloved 
country.  Let  political  feuds  and  personal  animosities  be  buried 
at  the  shrine  of  patriotism,  and  let  our  only  contest  be  for  per 
sonal  glory  and  the  national  weal. 

The  respect  in  which  the  general  holds  his  own  humble  fame, 
presents  to  his  subordinates  a  safe  guarantee  for  the  justice  and 
impartiality  of  the  commander  in  the  exercise  of  his  functions ; 
and  while  he  requires  from  his  officers  a  candid  and  manly  co 
operation  for  the  support  of  those  principles  of  subordination 
and  discipline,  without  which  military  bodies  become  worse  than 
useless,  while  he  demands  from  them  harmony,  zeal,  discretion, 
constancy,  valour,  as  the  best  security  for  personal  repute  and 
efficient  service.  Considerations  of  delicacy  require  that  he 
should  draw  an  impenetrable  veil  over  the  scenes  which  have 
ensued  during  his  absence  ;  and  he  pledges  himself  to  make  even 
handed  justice  the  rule  of  his  conduct,  rewarding  merit  accor 
ding  to  its  worth,  and  awarding  punishments  with  inflexible  ri 
gour  when  the  laws  may  impose  them. 


SANDWICH,  UPPER  CANADA,  July  17,  1812. 

SIR, 

In  conformity  with  your  instructions,  I  proceeded  with  a 
detachment  of  280  men,  to  reconnoitre  the  enemy's  advanced 
posts.  We  found  them  in  possession  of  a  bridge  over  the  river 


S3 

Canas,  at  the  distance  of  four  miles  from  Maiden.  After  ex 
amining  their  position,  I  left  one  company  of  riflemen,  to  conceal 
themselves  near  the  bridge,  and  upon  our  appearance  on  the 
opposite  side  of  the  river,  to  commence  firing,  in  order  to  divert 
their  attention,  and  to  throw  them  into  confusion.  I  then  pro 
ceeded  with  the  remainder  of  the  force  about  five  miles,  to  a 
ford  over  the  Canas,  and  down  on  the  southern  bank  of  the  river. 
About  sun -set  we  arrived  within  sight  of  the  enemy.  Being 
entirely  destitute  of  guides,  we  marched  too  near  the  bank  of 
the  river,  and  found  our  progress  checked  by  a  creek,  which  was 
then  impassable.  We  were  then  compelled  to  march  up  a  mile, 
in  order  to  effect  a  passage  over  the  creek.  This  gave  the  enemy 
time  to  make  their  arrangements,  and  prepare  for  their  defence. 
On  coming  down  the  creek  we  found  them  formed ;  they  com 
menced  a  distant  fire  of  musketry.  The  riflemen  of  the  detach 
ment  were  formed  upon  the  wings,  and  the  two  companies  of 
infantry  in  the  centre.  The  men  moved  on  with  great  spirit 
and  alacrity.  After  the  first  discharge  the  British  retreated — 
we  continued  advancing.  Three  times  they  formed,  and  as 
often  retreated.  We  drove  them  about  half  a  mile,  when  it  be 
came  so  dark  that  we  were  obliged  to  relinquish  the  pursuit. 
Two  privates  in  the  41st  regiment  were  wounded  and  taken 
prisoners.  We  learn  from  deserters,  that  nine  or  ten  were 
wounded,  and  some  killed.  We  could  gain  no  precise  infor 
mation  of  the  number  opposed  to  us.  It  consisted  of  a  consider 
able  detachment  from  the  41st  regiment,  some  militia,  and  a 
body  of  Indians.  The  guard  at  the  bridge  consisted  of  fifty  men. 
Our  riflemen  stationed  on  this  side  the  Canas,  discovered  the 
enemy  reinforcing  them  during  the  whole  afternoon.  There  is 
no  doubt  but  their  number  considerably  exceeded  ours.  Lieu 
tenant  colonel  Miller  conducted  in  the  most  spirited  and  able 
manner.  I  have  every  reason  to  be  satisfied  with  the  conduct 
of  the  whole  detachment. 

Very  respectfully,  sir,  I  have  the  honour,  &c. 

LEWIS  CASS, 

Col.  3d  reg.  0.  vol. 
His  Excellency  Brigadier  General  Hull 


British  account  of  the  capture  of  Fort  Jftichilimackinac. 

MACKINAC,  18th  July,  1812. 
DEAR  SIR, 

I  am  happy  to  have  it  in  my  power  to  announce  to  you 

that  Mackinac   capitulated  to  us  on  the   15th   instant,  at  11 

o'clock,  A.  M.    Captain  Roberts  at  our  head,  with  a  part  of  the 

10th  B.  V.  battalion.     Mr.  Crawford  had  the  command  of  the 

5 


34 

Canadians,  which  consisted  of  about  200  men ;  Mr.  Dickenson 
143  Sioux,  Forlavians,  and  Winebagoes  ;  and  myself  about  280 
men,  Attawas  and  Chippewas,  part  of  Attawas  of  L'harb  Croche 
had  not  arrived.  It  was  a  fortunate  circumstance,  the  fort  capi 
tulated  without  firing  a  single  gun,  for  had  they  done  so,  I  firmly 
believe  not  a  soul  of  them  would  have  been  saved.*  My  son, 
Charles  Longdale,  Augustin  Nolin,  and  MachelloBadotte,  jr.hava 
rendered  me  great  service  in  keeping  the  Indians  in  order,  and 
in  executing,  from  time  to  time,  such  commands  as  were  deliver 
ed  by  the  commanding  officer.  I  never  saw  so  determined  a  set 
of  people  as  the  Chippewas  and  Attawas. 

Since  the  capitulation  they  have  not  drank  a  single  drop  of 
liquor,  nor  even  killed  a  fowl  belonging  to  any  person,  (a  thing 
never  known  before)  for  they  generally  destroy  every  thing  they 
meet  with. 

I  am,  dear  sir,  your  most  obedient  servant, 

JOHN  ASKIN,  Jun. 

Store  keeper's  Dept. 
The  hon.  col.  W.  Claus,  &c.  Fort  George. 


DETROIT,  4th  August,  1812. 

SIR, 

I  take  the  earliest  opportunity  to  acquaint  your  excellency 
of  the  surrender  of  the  garrison  of  Michilimackmac,  under  my 
command,  to  his  Britannic  majesty's  forces  under  the  command 
of  captain  Charles  Roberts,  on  the  17th  ultimo,  the  particulars  of 
which  are  as  follows  : — On  the  16th,  I  was  informed  by  the  Indian 
interpreter,  that  he  had  discovered  from  an  Indian  that  the  several 
nations  of  Indians  then  at  St.  Joseph,  (a  British  garrison,  distant 
about  forty  miles)  intended  to  make  an  immediate  attack  on 
Michilimackinac.  I  was  inclined,  from  the  coolness  I  had  dis 
covered  in  some  of  the  principal  chiefs  of  the  Ottawa  and  Chip- 
pewa  nations,  who  had  but  a  few  days  before  professed  the  greatest 
friendship  for  the  United  States,  to  place  confidence  in  this  re 
port.  I  immediately  called  a  meeting  of  the  American  gentlemen 
at  that  time  on  the  island,  in  which  it  was  thought  proper  to  des 
patch  a  confidential  person  to  St.  Joseph  to  watch  the  motions  of 
the  Indians.  Captain  Daurman,  of  the  militia,  was  thought  the 
most  suitable  for  this  service.  He  embarked  about  sun -set,  and 
met  the  British  forces  within  ten  or  fifteen  miles  of  the  island,  by 
whom  he  was  made  prisoner  and  put  on  his  parole  of  honor.  He 
was  landed  on  the  island  at  day -break,  with  positive  directions 
to  give  me  no  intelligence  whatever.  He  was  also  instructed  to 
take  the  inhabitants  of  the  village  indiscriminately  to  a  place  on 
the  west  side  of  the  island,  where  their  persons  and  property 

'*  British  magnanimity. 


-35 

should  be  protected  by  a  British  guard  ;  but  should  they  go  to  the 
fort,  they  would  be  subject  to  a  general  massacre  by  the  savages, 
which  would  be  inevitable  if  the  garrison  fired  a  gun.  This  in 
formation  I  received  from  doctor  Day,  who  was  passing  through 
the  village  when  every  person  was  flymg  for  refuge  to  the  enemy. 
Immediately  on  being  informed  of  the  approach  of  the  enemy,  I 
placed  ammunition,  &c.  in  the  block-houses;  ordered  every  gun 
charged,  and  made  every  preparation  for  action.  About  9  o'clock 
I  could  discover  that  the  enemy  were  in  possession  of  the  heights 
that  commanded  the  fort,  and  one  piece  of  their  artillery  directed 
to  the  most  defenceless  part  of  the  garrison.  The  Indians  at  this 
time  were  to  be  seen  in  great  numbers  in  the  edge  of  the  woods* 
At  half  past  1 1  o'clock,  the  enemy  sent  in  a  flag  of  truce,  de 
manding  a  surrender  of  the  fort  and  island  to  his  Britannic  ma 
jesty's  forces.  This,  sir,  was  the  first  information  I  had  of  the 
declaration  of  war ;  I,  however,  had  anticipated  it,  and  was  as 
well  prepared  to  meet  such  an  event  as  I  possibly  could  have 
been  with  the  force  under  my  command,  amounting  to  57  effective 
men,  including  officers.  Three  American  gentlemen,  who  were 
prisoners,  were  permitted  to  accompany  the  flag:  from  them  I 
ascertained  the  strength  of  the  enemy  to  be  from  nine  hundred 
to  one  thousand  strong,  consisting  of  regular  troops,  Canadians 
and  savages ;  that  they  had  two  pieces  of  artillery,  and  were 
provided  with  ladders  and  ropes  for  the  purpose  of  scaling  the 
works  if  necessary.  After  I  had  obtained  this  information,  I 
consulted  my  officers  and  also  the  American  gentlemen  present, 
who  were  very  intelligent  men ;  the  result  of  which  was,  that  it 
was  impossible  for  the  garrison  to  hold  out  against  such  a  superior 
force.  In  this  opinion  I  fully  concurred,  from  the  conviction  that 
it  was  the  only  measure  that  could  prevent  a  general  massacre. 
The  fort  and  garrison  were  accordingly  surrendered. 

The  enclosed  papers  exhibit  copies  of  the  correspondence  be 
tween  the  officer  commanding  the  British  forces  and  myself,  and 
of  the  articles  of  capitulation.  This  subject  involved  questions 
of  a  peculiar  nature ;  and  I  hope,  sir,  that  my  demands  and  pro 
tests  will  meet  the  approbation  of  my  government.  I  cannot 
allow  this  opportunity  to  escape  without  expressing  my  obligation 
to  doctor  Day  for  the  service  he  rendered  me  in  conducting  this 
correspondence. 

In  consequence  of  this  unfortunate  affair,  I  beg  leave,  sir,  to 
demand  that  a  court  of  inquiry  may  be  ordered  to  investigate  all 
the  facts  connected  with  it ;  and  I  do  further  request,  that  the 
court  may  be  specially  directed  to  express  their  opinion  on  the 
merits  of  the  case. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  sir,  &c 

P.  HANKS, 
Lieutenant  of  Artillery. 
His  Excellency  Gen.  Hull, 

Commanding  the  N.  W.  Army. 


36 

P.  S.  The  following  particulars  relating  to  the  British  force 
XVere  obtained  after  the  capitulation,  from  a  source  that  admits 
of  no  doubt. 

Regular  troops,  46  (including  4  officers.) 

Canadian  Militia,  260 

Total,          306 

SAVAGES— Sioux, 

Winnebagoes,  48 

Tallesawains,  39 

Chippewas  and 
Ottawas,  572 

715  Savages, 
306  Whites. 

1021 

It  may  also  be  remarked,  that  one  hundred  and  fifty  Chippewas 
and  Ottawas  joined  the  British  two  days  after  the  capitulation. 

P.  H. 


SANDWICH,  August  7,  1812. 

SIR, 

On  the  4th  instant  major  Van  Horn,  of  colonel  Findlay's  re 
giment  of  Ohio  volunteers,  was  detached  from  this  army,  with  the 
command  of  200  men,  principally  riflemen,  to  proceed  to  the 
river  Raisin,  and  further,  if  necessary,  to  meet  and  reinforce 
captain  Brush,  of  the  state  of  Ohio,  commanding  a  company  of 
volunteers,  and  escorting  provisions  Tor  this  army.  At  Browns- 
town,  a  large  body  of  Indians  had  formed  an  ambuscade,  and  the 
major's  detachment  received  a  heavy  fire,  at  the  distance  of  fifty 
yards  from  the  enemy.  The  whole  detachment  retreated  in  dis 
order.  Major  Van  Horn  made  every  exertion  to  form,  and  pre 
vent  the  retreat,  that  was  possible  for  a  brave  and  gallant  officer, 
but  without  success.  By  the  return  of  killed  and  wounded,  it 
will  be  perceived  that  the  loss  of  officers  was  uncommonly  great. 
Their  efforts  to  rally  their  companions  was  the  occasion  of  it. 
1  am,  very  respectfully, 

Your  most  obedient  servant, 

WM.  HULL. 

Hon.  Wm.  Eustis,  Secretary  of  War. 

Killed,  7  officers — 10  privates: — number  of  wounded  unknown. 

DETROIT,  August  13,  1812. 
SIR, 

The  main  body  of  the  army  having  re-crossed  the  river  to  De 
troit,  on  the  night  and  morning  of  the  8th  instant,  600  men  were 
immediately  detached  under  the  command  of  lieutenant  colonel 
Miller,  to  open  the  communication  to  the  river  Raisin,  and 


37 

protect  the  provisions  under  the  escort  of  captain  Brush.  This 
detachment  consisted  of  the  4th  United  States'  regiment,  and 
two  small  detachments  under  the  command  of  lieutenant  S tans- 
bury,  and  ensign  M'Labe  of  the  1st  regiment,  detachments 
from  the  Ohio  and  Michigan  volunteers,  a  corps  of  artillerists, 
with  one  six  pounder  and  an  howitzer  under  the  command  of 
lieutenant  Eastman,  and  a  part  of  captains  Smith  and  Sloan's 
cavalry,  commanded  by  captain  Sloan  of  the  Ohio  volunteers. 

Lieutenant  colonel  Miller  marched  from  Detroit  on  the  after 
noon  of  the  8th  instant,  and  on  the  9th,  about  4  o'clock,  P,  M.  the 
van  guard,  commanded  by  captain  Snelling  of  the  4th  United 
States'  regiment,  was  fired  on  by  an  extensive  line  of  British 
troops  and  Indians  at  the  lower  part  of  the  Magaugo,  about  14 
miles  from  Detroit.  At  this  time  the  main  body  was  marching  in 
two  columns,  and  captain  Snelling  maintained  his  position  in  a 
most  gallant  manner,  under  a  very  heavy  fire,  until  the  line  was 
formed  and  advanced  to  the  ground  lie  occupied,  when  the 
whole,  excepting  the  rear  guard,  was  brought  into  action. 

The  enemy  were  formed  behind  a  temporary  breast-work  of 
logs,  the  Indians  extending  in  a  thick  wood  on  their  left.  Lieu 
tenant  colonel  Miller  ordered  his  whole  line  to  advance,  and  when 
within  a  small  distance  of  the  enemy  made  a  general  discharge, 
and  proceeded  with  charged  bayonets,  when  the  British  line  and 
Indians  commenced  a  retreat.  They  were  pursued  in  a  most  vi 
gorous  manner  about  two  miles,  and  the  pursuit  discontinued  onlj 
on  account  of  the  fatigue  of  the  troops,  the  approach  of  evening, 
and  the  necessity  of  returning  to  take  care  of  the  wounded.  The 
judicious  arrangements  made  by  lieutenant  colonel  Miller,  and  the 
gallant  manner  in  which  they  were  executed,  justly  entitle  him  to 
the  highest  honour.  From  the  moment  the  line  commenced  the 
fire,  it  continually  moved  on,  and  the  enemy  maintained  their  posi 
tion  until  forced  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet.  The  Indians  on  the 
left,  under  the  command  of  Tecumseh,  fought  with  great  obstinacy, 
but  were  continually  forced  and  compelled  to  retreat.  The  vic 
tory  was  complete  in  every  part  of  the  line,  and  the  success 
would  have  been  more  brilliant  had  the  cavalry  charged  the  ene 
my  on  the  retreat,  when  a  most  favorable  opportunity  presented. 
Although  orders  were  given  for  the  purpose,  unfortunately  they 
were  not  executed.  Majors  Van  Horn  and  Morrison,  of  the 
Ohio  volunteers,  were  associated  with  lieutenant  colonel  Miller, 
as  field  officers  in  this  command,  and  were  highly  distinguished 
by  their  exertions  in  forming  the  line,  and  the  firm  and  intrepid 
manner  they  led  their  respective  commands  to  action. 

Captain  Baker  of  the  1st  United  States'  regiment,  captain 
Brevoort  of  the  2d,  and  captain  Hull  of  the  13th,  my  aid-de 
camp,  and  lieutenant  Whistler  of  the  1st,  requested  permission 
to  join  the  detachment  as  volunteers.  Lieutenant  colonel  Miller 
assigned  to  captain  Baker  and  lieutenant  Whistler,  separate 
commands;  and  captains  Brevoort  and  Hull,  at  his  request 


38 

attended  his  person  and  aided  him  in  the  general  arrangements. 
Lieutenant  colonel  Miller  has  mentioned  the  conduct  of  those 
officers  in  terms  of  high  approbation.  In  addition  to  the  captains 
who  have  been  named,  lieutenant  colonel  Miller  has  mentioned 
captains  Burton  and  Fuller  of  the  4th  regiment,  captains  Saun- 
ders  and  Brown  of  the  Ohio  volunteers,  and  captain  Delandre 
of  the  Michigan  volunteers,  who  were  attached  to  his  command, 
and  distinguished  by  their  valour.  It  is  impossible  for  me,  in 
this  communication,  to  do  justice  to  the  officers  and  soldiers, 
who  gained  the  victory  which  I  have  described.  They  have 
acquired  high  honour  to  themselves,  and  are  justly  entitled  to 
the  gratitude  of  their  country. 

Major  Muir  of  the  41st  regiment,  commanded  the  British  in 
this  action.  The  regulars  and  volunteers  consisted  of  about  400, 
and  a  large  number  of  Indians.  Major  Muir  and  two  subalterns 
were  wounded,  one  of  them  since  dead.  About  forty  Indians 
were  found  dead  on  the  field,  and  Tecumseh,  their  leader,  was 
slightly  wounded.  The  number  of  wounded  Indians  who  escaped 
has  not  been  ascertained.  Four  of  major  Muir's  detachment 
have  been  made  prisoners,  and  fifteen  of  the  41st  regiment  killed 
and  Wounded.  The  militia  and  volunteers  attached  to  his  com 
mand,  were  in  the  severest  part  of  the  action,  and  their  loss  must 
have  been  great — it  has  not  yet  been  ascertained. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  yours,  &c. 

WM.  HULL, 

Brig.  Gen.  commanding  J\T.  W.  Army. 
Hon.  Wm.  Eustis,  Secretary  of  War. 
Killed  and  wounded  in  the  action  near  Maguago,  Aug.  9,  1812. 

4th  U.  S.  regiment — 10  non-commissioned  officers  and  privates 
killed,  and  45  wounded. 

Ohio  and  Michigan  volunteers — 8  killed  and  12  wounded. 

GENERAL  HULL'S  CAPITULATION. 

DETROIT,  August  12,  1812. 

DEAR  SIR, 

I  have  several  times  written  to  you  since  I  heard  you  were  on 
your  march,  but  I  find  that  my  letters  have  never  reached  you. 
Two  detachments  have  been  sent  to  meet  you,  but  both  returned 
with  loss.  We  have  abandoned  Canada,  and  the  British  force  is 
now  opposite  this  place  pointing  their  artillery ;  the  firing  will 
commence  shortly.  I  fear  you  will  not  be  able  to  see  us.  If 
possible  take  care  of  yourself  and  party.  The  enemy  may  not 
nave  force  to  see  you  and  attend  to  us. 

The  bearer  will,  or  can  give  you  a  hint  of  our  situation.  Adieu, 
J  have  not  time  to  write. 

Respectfully  yours, 

DUNCAN  M'ARTHUR. 
Captijdn  H.  Brash. 


DETROIT,  14th  August,  1812. 
SIR, 

The  state  of  the  communication  between  this  and  the  river 
Raisin,  is  such  that  a  sufficient  detachment  cannot  be  sent  at 
present  to  bring  on  the  provisions  with  safety..  You  will  there 
fore  remain  at  the  river  Raisin,  and  in  conjunction  with  Le 
Croix's  corps  and  your  own,  protect  the  provisions  and  yourselves 
until  further  orders.  The  detachment  sent  for  the  purpose  of 
opening  the  communication  are  so  fatigued  after  a  severe  and 
victorious  battle  that  it  will  return  here. 

I  am,  respectfully, 

W.  HULL,  Gen.  Commanding. 
Captain  Brush,  or  the  commanding 

officer  at  the  river  Raisin. 

P.  S.  If  consulting  with  colonel  Anderson  and  captain  Jobart, 
the  bearer  of  this,  and  from  all  the  information  you  can  obtain, 
it  should  be  the  opinion,  you  can  come  an  upper  road  crossing 
the  river  Huron,  at  Godfrey's  trading  establishment,  you  are 
authorized  to  proceed  that  route,  in  which  case  you  will  give  me 
an  immediate  notice.  No  person  must  know  this  excepting 
colonel  Anderson,  captain  Jobart,  and  yourself.  Take  captain 
Jobart  for  a  guide,  and  if  he  recommends  other  guides,  with  him, 
they  shall  be  paid.  Captain  Le  Croix,  with  his  company,  will 
proceed  on  with  you. 

Respectfully, 

W.  HULK 

Captain  Brush. 

RIVER  RUSH,  August  16th,  1812. 

SIR, 

By  the  within  letter  you  will  see  that  the  army  under  general 
Hull  has  been  surrendered.  By  the  articles  you  will  see  that 
provision  has  been  made  for  the  detachment  under  your  com 
mand  ;  you  will,  therefore,  I  hope,  return  to  Ohio  with  us. 

DUNCAN  M'ARTHUR, 

Captain  Henry  Brush. 

HEAD  QUARTERS,  AT  DETROIT,  August  16th,  1812. 
SIR, 

I  have  signed  articles  of  capitulation  for  the  surrender  of  this 
garrison  in  which  you  and  ^our  detachment  are  prisoners  of  war. 
Such  part  of  the  Ohio  militia  as  have  not  joined  the  army,  will 
be  permitted  to  return  to  their  homes,  on  condition  that  they  will 
not  serve  during  the  war.  Their  arms,  however,  will  be  delivered 
up  if  belonging  to  the  public. 

I  am,  very  respectfully,  &c. 

W.  HULL,  Brig.  Gen. 
Commanding  the  JV.  W.  army. 
Colonel  Duncan  M*  Arthur. 


40 
HEAD  QUARTERS,  DETROIT,  August  16,  1812. 

GENERAL  ORDERS. 

It  is  with  pain  and  anxiety  that  brigadier -general  Hull  an 
nounces  to  the  North-western  army,  that  he  has  been  compelled, 
from  a  sense  of  duty,  to  agree  to  the  following  articles  of  capi 
tulation  : 

CAMP  AT  DETROIT,  16th  August,  1812. 

Capitulation  for  the  surrender  of  Fort  Detroit,  entered  into 
betwen  major  general  Brock,  commanding  his  Britannic  majes 
ty's  forces,  on  the  one  part,  and  brigadier-general  Hull,  com 
manding  the  North-western  army  of  the  United  States,  on  the 
other  part — 

ART.  1.  Fort  Detroit,  with  all  the  troops,  regulars  as  well  as 
militia,  will  be  immediately  surrendered  to  the  British  forces, 
under  the  command  of  major  general  Brock,  and  will  be  con 
sidered  as  prisoners  of  war ;  with  the  exception  of  such  of  the 
militia  of  the  Michigan  territory  who  have  not  joined  the  army. 

2.  All  public  stores,  arms  and  all  public  documents,  including 
every  thing  else  of  a  public  nature,  will  be  immediately  given  up. 

3.  Private  persons  and  property  of  every  description  will  be 
respected. 

4.  His  excellency  brigadier-general  Hull  having  expressed  a 
desire  that  a  detachment  from  the  state  of  Ohio,  on  its  way  to 
join  his  army,  as  well  as  one  sent  from  Detroit,  under  the  com 
mand  of  colonel  M'Arthur,  shall  be  included  in  the  above  capi 
tulation,  it  is  accordingly  agreed  to ;  it  is  however  to  be  under 
stood  that  such  part  of  the  Ohio  militia  as  have  not  joined  the 
army,  will  be  permitted  to  return  to  their  homes,  on  condition 
that  they  will  not  serve  during  the  war.     Their  arms,  however, 
will  be  delivered  up,  if  belonging  to  the  public. 

4.  The  garrison  will  march  out  at  the  hour  of  twelve  o'clock 
this  day,  and  the  British  forces  will  take  immediate  possession  of 
the  fort. 

J.  MACDONALD,  Lieut.  Col 

Militia,  P.  A.  D.  C. 
3.  B,  GLEGG,  Major,  A.  D.  C. 
JAMES  MILLER,  Lieut.  Col. 

5th  U.  8.  Infantry. 

E.  BRUSH,  Col.  1st  regi. 

Michigan  militia. 
APPROVED, 

WM.  HULL, 

Brigadier -general  commanding  the  iTV.  W.  JUrmy. 

APPROVED, 

ISAAC  BROCK, 

Major  General 


41 

The  army,  at  12  o'clock  this  day,  will  march  out  of  the  east 
gate,  where  they  will  stack  their  arms,  and  then  be  subject  to  the 
articles  of  capitulation. 

WM.  HULL, 
Brigadier  general  commanding  the  JV.  W.  Army* 

' 

t- 
HEAD  QUARTERS,  SANDWICH,  August  15,  1812 

SIR,  e 

The  force  at  my  disposal  authorizes  me  to  require  of  ycfr.. 
the  immediate  surrender  of  fort  Detroit.  It  is  far  from  my  i 
clination  to  join  in  a  war  of  extermination,  but  you  must  be  awai-i_ 
that  the  numerous  body  of  Indians  who  have  attached  themselv^e 
to  my  troops,  will  be  beyond  my  controul  the  moment  the  contef. 
commences.  You  will  find  me  disposed  to  enter  into  such  cond^t 
tions  as  will  satisfy  the  most  scrupulous  sense  of  honour.  Lieute 
nant  colonel  Macdonald  and  major  Glegg  are  fully  authorized 
to  conclude  any  arrangement  that  may  lead  to  prevent  the  unne 
cessary  ettusion  of  blood. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir, 

Your  most  obedient  servant, 

ISAAC  BROCK, 

Major  General* 
His  Excellency  brigadier  general  Hull, 

commanding  at  Fort  Detroit. 


HEAD  QUARTERS,  DETROIT,  August  15,  1812. 
SIR, 

I  have  received  your  letter  of  this  date.  I  have  no  other  reply 
to  make,  than  to  inform  you,  that  I  am  prepared  to  meet  any  force, 
which  may  be  at  your  disposal,  and  any  consequences  which  may 
result  from  any  exertion  of  it  you  may  think  proper  to  make. 

I  avail  myself  of  this  opportunity  to  inform  you  that  the  flag 
of  truce  under  the  direction  of  captain  Brown,  proceeded  con 
trary  to  the  orders,  and  without  the  knowledge  of  colonel  Cass 
who  commanded  the  troops  which  attacked  your  picket,  near  the 
river  Canardbridge. 

I  likewise  take  this  occasion  to  inform  you  that  Cowie's  house 
was  set  on  fire  contrary  to  my  orders,  and  it  did  not  take  place 
until  after  the  evacuation  of  the  fort.  From  the  best  informa 
tion  I  have  been  able  to  obtain  on  the  subject,  it  was  set  on  fire 
by  some  of  the  inhabitants  on  the  other  side  of  the  river. 
I  am,  very  respectfully, 

Your  excellency's  most  obedient  servant, 

W.  HULL, 

Brig.  Gen.  Commanding  the  JV.  W.  Army  U.  ^ 
His  excellency  major  general  Brock, 

commanding  his  Britannic  majesty's  * 

forces,  Sandwich,  Upper  Canada. 
6 


42 

An  article  supplemental  to  the  articles  of  capitulation,  concluded 
at  Detroit,  16th  August,  1812. 

It  is  agreed  that  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  Ohio  militia 
nand  volunteers  shall  be  permitted  to  proceed  to  their  respective 
friomes  on  this  condition,  that  they  are  not  to  serve  during  the  pre- 
tofmt  war,  unless  they  are  exchanged. 

W.  HULL, 
Brig.  Gen.  Commanding  N.  W.  army  U.  & 

bet  ISAAC  BROCK, 

ty?g  Major  General. 

mar. 
othf 

/n  article  in  addition  to  the  supplemental  article  of  the  capitu- 
v  lation,  concluded  at  Detroit,  16th  August,  1812. 

It  is  further  agreed  that  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  Michi 
gan  militia  and  volunteers,  under  the  command  of  major 
Wetherell,  shall  be  placed  on  the  same  principles  as  the  Ohio 
volunteers  and  militia  are  placed  by  the  supplemental  article  of 
the  16th  instant. 

W.  HULL, 
Brig.  Gen.  Commanding  t/V.  W.  army  U.  S. 

ISAAC  BROCK, 

Major  General. 


Ktturn  of  ordnance  taken  in  the  fort  and  batteries  at  Detroit, 
August  16th,  1812. 

Iron  pieces  of  ordnance,  25 

Brass  do.  8 

Total,  33 

FELIX  TROUGHTON, 

Lieutenant  commanding  Roy.  Jlrtfy. 

Major  general  Brock,  commanding 

the  forces  of  Upper  Canada. 


GENERAL  ORDER  OF  GENERAL  BROCK 

HEAD  QUARTERS,  DETROIT,  August  16th,  1812. 

Major  general  Brock  has  every  reason  to  be  satisfied  with 
the  conduct  of  the  troops  he  had  the  honour  to  lead  this  morning 
against  the  enwny.  The  state  of  discipline  which  they  so  emi  • 
nently  displayed,  and  the  determination  they  evinced,  to  under- 


43 

vakethe  most  hazardous  enterprise,  decided  the  enemy,  infinitely 
more  numerous  in  men  and  artillery,  to  propose  a  capitulation, 
the  terms  of  which  are  herewith  inserted  for  the  information  of 
the  troops. 

The  major  general  requests  colonel  Proctor  will  accept  his 
thanks  for  the  assistance  he  derived  from  his  experience  and  in 
telligence.  , 

The  steadiness  and  discipline  of  the  41st  regiment  and  the 
readiness  of  the  militia  to  follow  so  good  an  example,  were  high 
ly  conspicuous. 

The  ability  manifested  by  captain  Dixon  of  the  royal  engi 
neers  in  the  choice  and  construction  of  the  batteries,  arid  the 
high  state  of  the  royal  artillery  under  lieutenant  Troughton,  af 
forded  the  major  general  much  gratification,  and  reflects  great 
credit  on  those  officers. 

The  willing  assistance  given  by  captain  Hall  and  the  marine 
department  during  the  whole  course  of  the  service  has  been  very 
conspicuous,  and  the  manner  the  batteries  were  served  this  morn 
ing  evinced  a  degree  of  steadiness  highly  commendable. 

Lieutenant  Dewar,  deputy  assistant  quarter  master  general, 
afforded  strong  proof  of  the  local  knowledge  he  has  acquired  of  the 
country,  of  an  unremitting  attention  to  his  duty ;  and  the  care 
and  regularity  with  which  the  troops  were  transported  across  the 
river,  must  in  a  like  degree  be  ascribed  to  his  zeal  for  the  service. 

To  lieutenant  colonel  St.  George,  majors  Tallon  and  Chambers, 
who  commanded  brigades,  every  degree  of  praise  is  due  for  their 
unremitting  zeal  and  attention  to  their  respective  commands. 
The  detachment  of  the  royal  Newfoundland  regiment,  under  the 
command  of  major  Moekler,  is  deserving  every  praise  for  their 
steadiness  in  the  field,  as  well  as  when  embarked  in  the  king's 
vessels. 

The  major  general  cannot  forego  this  opportunity  of  express 
ing  his  admiration  at  the  conduct  of  the  several  companies  of 
militia  who  so  handsomely  volunteered  to  undergo  the  fatigues  of 
a  journey  of  several  hundred  miles  to  go  to  the  rescue  of  an  inva 
ded  district ;  and  he  requests  major  Salmon,  captains  Hatt,  Stew 
ard,  Boswick  and  Robinson,  will  assure  the  officers  and  men  under 
their  respective  commands,  that  their  services  have  been  duly 
appreciated  and  will  never  be  forgotten. 

The  major  general  is  happy  to  acknowledge  the  able  assistance 
he  has  derived  from  the  zeal  and  local  information  of  lieutenant 
colonel  Nicholl,  acting  quarter  master  general  of  militia. 

To  his  personal  staff  the  major  general  feels  himself  under  much 
obligation  ;  and  he  requests  lieutenant  colonel  Macdonald,  majors 
Glegg  and  Givens,  will  be  assured  that  their  zealou.s  exertions 
have  made  too  deep  an  impression  on  his  mind  ever  to  be  forgot 
ten. 

The  conduct  of  the  Indians  under  colonel  Elliot,  captain  M* 
Kee,  and  the  others  of  that  department,  joined  to  that  of  the 


44 

gallant  and  brave  chiefs  of  their  respective  tribes,  has  since  the 
Comttten cement  of  the  war  been  marked  with  acts  of  true  heroism, 
and  in  nothing  can  they  testify  more  strongly  their  love  to  the 
king,  their  great  father,  than  in  following  the  dictates  of  honour 
and  humanity,  by  which  they  have  been  hitherto  actuated.  Two 
fortifications  have  already  been  captured  from  the  enemy  with 
out  a  drop  of  blood  being  shed  by  the  hand  of  the  Indian  ;  the 
Iistant  the  enemy  submitted,  his  life  became  sacred. 

By  order  of  MAJOR  GENERAL  BROCK. 

J.  B.  GLEGG,ca.w3.D.  C. 


CAPTURE  OF  THE  ALERT. 

AT  SEA,  August  17,  1812. 

SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  inform  you  that  upon  the  13th,  his  Bri 
tannic  majesty's  sloop  of  war  Alert,  Captain  T.  L.  P.  Langhorne, 
ran  down  on  our  weather  quarter,  gave  three  cheers  and  com 
menced  an  action  (if  so  trifling  a  skirmish  deserves  the  name,) 
and  after  eight  minutes  firing  struck  her  colours  with  seven  feet 
water  in  her  hold,  much  cut  to  pieces,  and  three  men  wounded. 

I  need  not  inform  you  that  the  officers  and  crew  of  the  Essex 
behaved  as  I  trust  all  Americans  will  in  such  cases,  and  it  is  only 
to  be  regretted  that  so  much  zeal  and  activity  could  not  have 
been  displayed  on  an  occasion  that  would  have  done  them  more 
honour.  The  Essex  has  not  received  the  slightest  injury.  The 
Alert  was  out  for  the  purpose  of  taking  the  Hornet. 

I  have  the  honour,  &c. 

D.  PORTER, 
Hon.  Paul  Hamilton. 


FORT  GEORGE,  August  26,  1812. 

SIR, 

Enclosed  are  the  articles  of  capitulation,  by  which  the  Fort 
of  Detroit  has  been  surrendered  to  major  general  Brock,  com 
manding  his  Britannic  majesty's  forces  in  Upper  Canada,  and 
by  which  the  troops  have  become  prisoners  of  war.  My  situation 
at  present  forbids  me  from  detailing  the  particular  causes  which 
have  led  to  this  unfortunate  event.  I  will,  however,  generally 
observe,  that  after  the  surrender  of  Michilimakinac,  almost  every 
tribe  and  nation  of  Indians,  excepting  a  part  of  the  Miatnies 
and  Delawares,  north  from  beyond  Lake  Superior,  west  from 
beyond  the  Mississippi,  south  from  the  Ohio  and  Wabash,  and 
cast  from  every  part  of  Upper  Canada,  and  from  all  the  inter 
mediate  country,  joined  in  open  hostility,  under  the  British 


45 

standard,  against  the  army  I  commanded,  contrary  to  the  most 
solemn  assurances  of  a  large  portion  of  them  to  remain  neutral: 
even  the  Ottawa  chiefs  from  Arbecrotch,  who  formed  the  delega 
tion  to  Washington  the  last  summer,  in  whose  friendship  I  know 
you  had  great  confidence,  are  among  the  hostile  tribes,  and  seve 
ral  of  them  distinguished  leaders.  Among  the  vast  number  of 
chiefs  who  led  the  hostile  bands,  Tecumseh,  Marpot,  Logan4 
Walk-in-the-water,  Split  Log,  &c.  are  considered  the  principals. 
This  numerous  assemblage  of  savages,  under  the  entire  influence 
and  direction  of  the  British  commander,  enabled  him  totally  to 
obstruct  the  only  communication  which  I  had  with  my  country. 
This  communication  had  been  opened  from  the  settlements  in 
the  state  of  Ohio,  two  hundred  miles  through  a  wilderness,  by 
the  fatigues  of  the  army,  which  I  marched  to  the  frontier  on  the 
river  Detroit.  The  body  of  the  lake  being  commanded  by  the 
British  armed  ships,  and  the  shores  and  rivers  by  gun  boats,  the 
army  was  totally  deprived  of  all  communication  by  water.  On 
this  extensive  road  it  depended  for  transportation  of  provisions, 
military  stores,  medicine,  clothing,  and  every  other  supply,  on 
pack  horses — all  its  operations  were  successful  until  its  arrival 
at  Detroit,  and  in  a  few  days  it  passed  into  tiie  enemy's  country, 
and  all  opposition  seemed  to  drop  before  it.  One  month  it  re 
mained  in  possession  of  this  country,  and  was  fed  from  its  re 
sources.  In  different  directions,  detachments  penetrated  sixty 
miles  in  the  settled  part  of  the  province,  and  the  inhabitants 
seemed  satisfied  with  the  change  of  situation,  which  appeared  to 
be  taking  place ;  the  militia  from  Amherstburg  were  daily  de 
serting,  and  the  whole  country,  then  under  the  controul  of  the 
army,  was  asking  for  protection.  The  Indians,  generally,  in  the 
first  instance,  appeared  to  be  neutralized,  and  determined  to 
take  no  part  in  the  contest.  The  fort  of  Amherstburg  was  eigh 
teen  miles  below  my  encampment.  Not  a  single  cannon  or  mor 
tar  was  on  wheels  suitable  to  carry  before  this  place.  I  consult 
ed  my  officers,  whether  it  was  expedient  to  make  an  attempt  on 
it  with  the  bayonet  alone,  without  cannon,  to  make  a  break  in 
the  first  instance.  The  council  I  called  was  of  the  opinion  ii 
was  not.  The  greatest  industry  was  exerted  in  making  prepara 
tion,  arid  it  was  not  until  the  7th  of  August,  that  two  24  poun 
ders,  and  three  howitzers  were  prepared.  It  was  then  my  inten 
tion  to  have  proceeded  on  the  enterprize.  While  the  operations  of 
the  army  were  delayed  by  these  preparations,  the  clouds  of 
adversity  had  been  for  some  time  and  seemed  still  thickly  to  be 
gathering  around  me.  The  surrender  of  Michilimackinac  open 
ed  the  northern  hive  of  Indians,  and  they  were  swarming  down  in 
every  direction.  Reinforcements  from  Niagara  had  arrived  at 
Amherstburg  under  the  command  of  colonel  Proctor.  The  de 
sertion  of  the  militia  ceased.  Besides  the  reinforcements  that 
came  by  water,  I  received  information  of  a  very  considerable 
force  under  the  command  of  major  Chambers,  on  the  river  Le 


46 
\ 

French,  with  four  field  pieces,  and  collecting  the  militia  on  his 
route,  evidently  destined  for  Amherstburg;  and  in  addition  to 
this  combination,  and  increase  of  force,  contrary  to  all  my  ex 
pectations,  the  Wyandots,  Chippewas,  Ottawas,  Pottawatamies, 
Munsees,  Delawares,  &c.  with  whom  I  had  the  most  friendly 
intercourse,  at  once  passed  over  to  Amherstburg,  and  acceptecl 
the  tomahawk  and  scalping  knife.  There  being  now  a  vast 
number  of  Indians  at  the  British  post,  they  were  sent  to  the  river 
Huron,  Brownstown,  and  Maguago  to  intercept  my  communica 
tion.  To  open  this  communication,  I  detached  major  Van  Horn 
of  the  Ohio  volunteers,  with  two  hundred  men,  to  proceed  as  far 
as  the  river  Raisin,  under  an  expectation  he  would  meet  captain 
Brush  with  one  hundred  and  fifty  men,  volunteers  from  the  state 
of  Ohio,  and  a  quantity  of  provision  for  the  army.  An  ambuscade 
was  formed  at  Brownstown,  and  major  Van  Horn's  detachment 
defeated  arid  returned  to  camp  witiiout  effecting  the  object  of 
the  expedition. 

In  my  letter  of  the  7th  instant  you  have  the  particulars  of  that 
transaction,  with  a  return  of  the  kilted  and  wounded.  Under 
this  sudden  and  unexpected  change  of  things,  and  having  received 
an  express  from  general  Hall,  commanding  opposite  the  British 
shore  on  the  Niagara  river,  by  which  it  appeared  that  there  was 
no  prospect  of  a  co-operation  from  that  quarter,  and  the  two  se 
nior  officers  of  the  artillery  having  stated  to  me  an  opinion  that 
it  would  be  extremely  difficult,  if  not  impossible,  to  pass  the 
Turkey  river  and  river  Aux  Cannard,  with  the  24  pounders,  and 
that  they  could  not  be  transported  by  water,  as  the  Queen  Char 
lotte,  which  carried  eighteen  24  pounders,  lay  in  the  river  Detroit 
above  the  mouth  of  the  river  Aux  Cannard ;  and  as  it  appeared 
indispensibly  necessary  to  open  the  communication  to  the  river 
Raisin  and  the  Miami,  I  found  myself  compelled  to  suspend  the 
operation  against  Amherstburg,  and  concentrate  the  main  force 
of  the  army  at  Detroit  Fully  intending  at  that  time,  after  the 
communication  was  opened,  to  re-cross  the  river,  and  pursue  the 
object  at  Amherstburg,  and  strongly  desirous  of  continuing  pro 
tection  to  a  very  large  number  of  the  inhabitants  of  Upper  Cana 
da,  who  had  voluntarily  accepted  it  under  my  proclamation,  I 
established  a  fortress  on  the  banks  of  the  river,  a  little  below 
Detroit,  calculated  for  a  garrison  of  300  men.  On  the  evening  of 
the  7th,  and  morning  of  the  8th  instant,  the  army,  excepting  the 
garrison  of  250  infantry,  and  a  corps  of  artillerists,  all  under  the 
command  of  major  Denny  of  the  Ohio  volunteers,  re-crossed  the 
river,  and  encamped  at  Detroit.  In  pursuance  of  the  object  of 
opening  the  communication,  on  which  I  considered  the  existence 
of  the  army  depending,  a  detachment  of  600  men,  under  the 
command  of  lieutenant  colonel  Miller,  was  immediately  ordered. 
For  a  particular  account  of  the  proceedings  of  this  detachment, 
and  the  memorable  battle  which  was  fought  at  Maguago,  which 
reflects  the  highest  honour  on  the  American  arms,  I  refer  you  to 


47 

my  letter  of  the  13th  of  August  instant,  a  duplicate  of  which  is 
enclosed,  marked  G.  Nothing  however  but  honour  was  acquired 
by  this  victory ;  and  it  is  a  painful  consideration,  that  the  blood 
of  seventy-five  gallant  men  could  only  open  the  communication, 
as  far  as  the  points  of  their  bayonets  extended.  The  necessary 
care  of  the  sick  and  wounded,  and  a  very  severe  storm  of  rain, 
rendered  their  return  to  camp  indispensibly  necessary  for  their 
own  comfort.  Captain  Brush,  with  his  small  detachment,  and 
the  provisions  being  still  at  the  river  Raisin,  and  in  a  situation  to 
be  destroyed  by  the  savages,  on  the  13th  instant  in  the  evening, 
I  permitted  colonels  M'Arthur  and  Cass  to  select  from  their 
regiment  four  hundred  of  their  most  effective  men,  and  proceed 
an  upper  route  through  the  woods,  which  I  had  sent  an  express 
to  captain  Brush  to  take,  and  had  directed  the  militia  of  the  river 
Raisin  to  accompany  him  as  a  reinforcement.  The  force  of  the 
enemy  continually  increasing,  and  the  necessity  of  opening  the 
communication,  and  acting  on  the  defensive,  becoming  more  ap 
parent,  1  had,  previous  to  detaching  colonels  M'Arthur  and  Cass 
on  the  1 1th  instant,  evacuated  and  destroyed  the  fort  on  the  op 
posite  bank.  On  the  13th,  in  the  evening,  general  Brock  arrived 
at  Amherstburg  about  the  hour  that  colonels  M'Arthur  and  Cass 
marched,  of  which  at  that  time  I  had  received  no  information. 
On  the  15th  I  received  a  summons  from  him  to  surrender  fort 
Detroit,  of  which  the  paper  marked  A  is  a  copy.  My  answer 
is  marked  B.  At  this  time  I  had  received  no  information  from 
colonels  M'Arthur  and  Cass.  An  express  was  immediately 
sent,  strongly  escorted,  with  orders  for  them  to  return.  On  the 
15th,  as  soon  as  general  Brock  received  my.  letter,  his  batteries 
opened  on  the  town  and  fort,  and  continued  until  evening.  In  the 
evening  all  the  British  ships  of  war  came  nearly  as  far  up  the 
river  as  Sandwich,  three  miles  below  Detroit.  At  day  light  on 
the  16th  (at  which  time  I  had  received  no  information  from  colo 
nels  M'Arthur  and  Cass,  my  expresses,  sent  the  evening  before, 
and  in  the  night  having  been  prevented  from  passing  by  numerous 
bodies  of  Indians)  the  cannonade  re -commenced,  antl  in  a  short 
time  I  received  information,  that  the  British  army  and  Indians, 
were  landing  below  the  Spring  Wells,  under  the'  cover  of  their 
ships  of  war.  At  this  time  the  whole  effective  force  at  my  dis 
posal  at  Detroit  did  not  exceed  eight  hundred  men.  Being  new 
troops,  and  unaccustomed  to  a  camp  life  ;  having  performed  a  la 
borious  march  ;  having  been  engaged  in  a  number  of  battles  and 
skirmishes,  in  which  many  had  fallen,  and  more  had  received 
wounds,  in  addition  to  which  a  large  number  being  sick,  and  un 
provided  with  medicine,  and  the  comforts  necessary  for  their  sit 
uation  ;  are  the  general  causes  by  which  the  strength  of  the 
army  was  thus  reduced.  The  fort  at  this  time  was  filled  with 
women,  children,  and  the  old  and  decrepid  people  of  the  town 
and  country  ;  they  were  unsafe  in  the  town,  as  it  was  entirely 
open  and  exposed  to  the  enemy's  batteries.  Back  of  the  fort, 


48 

above  or  below  it,  there  was  no  safety  for  them  on  account  of  the 
Indians.  In  the  first  instance  the  enemy's  fire  was  principally 
directed  against  our  batteries  ;  towards  the  close,  it  was  directed 
against  the  fort  alone,  and  almost  every  shot  and  shell  had  their 
eftect. 

It  now  became  necessary  either  to  fight  the  enemy  in  the  field  ; 
collect  the  whole  force  in  the  fort  ;  or  propose  terms  of  capitula 
tion.     I  could  not  have  carried  into  the  field  more  than  six  hun 
dred  men,  and  left  any  adequate  force  in  the  fort.     There  were 
landed  at  that  time  of  the  enemy  a  regular  force  of  much  more 
than  that  number,  and  twice  the  number  of  Indians.  Consider 
ing  this  great  inequality  of  force  I  did  not  think  it  expedient  to 
adopt  the  first  measure.     The  second  must  have  been   attended 
with  a  great  sacrifice  of  blood,  and  no  possible  advantage,  be 
cause  the  contest  could  not  have  been  sustained  more  than  a  day 
for  the  want  of  powder,  and  but  a  very  few  days  for  the  want  of 
provisions.  In  addition  to  this,  colonels  M'Arthurand  Case  would 
nave  been  in  a  most  hazardous  situation.     I  feared   nothing  but 
the  last  alternative.  I  have  dared  to  adopt  it.  I  well  know  the  high 
responsibility  of  the  measure,  and  take  the  whole  of  it  on  my 
self.     It  was  dictated  by  a  sense  of  duty,  and  a  full  conviction  of 
its  expediency.     The  bands  of  savages  which  had  then  joined  the 
British  force  were  numerous  beyond  any  former  example.  Their 
numbers  have  since  increased,  and  the  history  of  the  barbarians 
of  the  north  of  Europe  does  not  furnish  examples  of  more  gree 
dy  violence  than  these  savages  have  exhibited.     A  large  portion 
of  the  brave   and  gallant  officers  and  men  I  commanded  would 
cheerfully  have  contested  until  the  last  cartridge  had  been  ex 
pended,  and  the  bayonets  worn  to  the  sockets.     I  could  not  con 
sent  to  the  useless  sacrifice  of  such  brave  men,  when  I  knew  it 
was  impossible  for  me  to  sustain   my  situation.     It  was  impossi 
ble  in  the  nature  of  things  that  an  army  could  have  been  fur 
nished  with  the  necessary  supplies  of  provision,  military  stores, 
clothing  and  comforts  for  the  sick,  or  pack  horses,  through  a 
wilderness  of  two  hundred  miles,   filled  with  hostile  savages. 
It  was  impossible,  sir,  that  this  little  army,  worn  down  by  fa 
tigue,  by  sickness,  by  wounds,  and  deaths,  could  have  supported 
itself  not  only  against  the   collected  force  of  all  the  northern 
nations  of  Indians  ;  but  against  the  united  strength  of  Upper 
Canada,  whose  population  consists  of  more  than  twenty  times 
the  number  contained  in  the  territory  of  Michigan,  aided  by  the 
principal  part  of  the  regular  forces  of  the   province,  and  the 
wealth  and  influence  of  the  north-west  and  other  trading  estab 
lishments  among  the  Indians,  which  have  in  their  employment, 
and  under  their  entire  controul,  more  than  two  thousand  white 
men.     Before  I  close  this  despatch,  it  is  a  duty  I  owe  to  my 
respectable  associates  in  command,  colonels  M'Arthur,  Findlay, 
Cass,  and  lieutenant  colonel  Miller,  to  express  my  obligations  to 
them  for  the  prompt  and  judicious  manner  they  have  performed 


49 

their  respective  duties.  If  aught  has  taken  place  during  the 
campaign,  which  is  honourable  to  the  army,  these  officers  are 
entitled  to  a  large  share  of  it.  If  the  last  act  should  be  disap 
proved,  no  part  of  the  censure  belongs  to  them.  I  have  likewise 
to  express  my  obligation  to  general  Taylor,  who  has  performed 
the  duty  of  quarter  master  general,  for  his  great  exertions  in 
procuring  every  thing  in  his  department  which  it  was  possible  to 
furnish  for  the  convenience  of  the  army ;  likewise  to  brigade 
major  Jessup  for  the  correct  and  punctual  manner  in  which  he 
has  discharged  his  duty ;  and  to  the  army  generally  for  their 
exertions,  and  the  zeal  they  have  manifested  for  the  public  in 
terest.  The  death  of  Dr.  Foster  soon  after  he  arrived  at  Detroit, 
was  a  severe  misfortune  to  the  army ;  it  was  increased  by  the 
capture  of  the  Chachago  packet,  by  which  the  medicine  and  hos 
pital  stores  were  lost.  He  was  commencing  the  best  arrange 
ments  in  the  department  of  which  he  was  the  principal,  with  the 
very  small  means  he  possessed.  I  was  likewise  deprived  of  the 
necessary  services  of  captain  Partridge  by  sickness,  the  only 
officer  of  the  corps  of  engineers  attached  to  the  army.  All  the 
officers  and  men  have  gone  to  their  respective  homes,  excepting 
the  4th  United  States'  regiment,  and  a  small  part  of  the  1st, 
and  captain  Dyson's  company  of  artillery.  Captain  Dyson's 
company  was  left  at  Amherstburg,  and  the  others  are  with  me 
prisoners — they  amount  to  about  three  hundred  and  forty.  I  have 
only  to  solicit  an  investigation  of  my  conduct,  as  early  as  my 
situation  and  the  state  of  things  will  admit;  and  to  add  the 
further  request,  that  the  government  will  not  be  unmindful  of  my 
associates  in  captivity,  and  of  the  families  of  those  brave  men 
who  have  fallen  in  the  contest. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  very  respectfully, 

Your  most  obedient  servant, 

WM.  HULL, 
Brig.  Gen.  commanding  the  JV.  W.  Army  U.  S. 

Hon.  W.  Eustis,  Secretary  of 

the  Department  of  War. 


UNITED  STATES'  FRIGATE  CONSTITUTION, 

off  Boston  Light,  August  30,  1812. 

SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  inform  you,  that  on  the  19th  instant, 
at  2  P.  M.  being  in  latitude  41,  42,  longitude  55,  48,  with  the 
the  Constitution  under  my  command,  a  sail  was  discovered  from 
the  mast-head  bearing  E.  by  S.  or  E  S.  E.  but  at  such  a  distance 
•we  could  not  tell  what  she  was.  All  sail  was  instantly  made  in 
chase,  and  soon  found  we  came  up  with  ner.  At  3  P.  M.  could 
7 


50 

plainly  see  that  she  was  a  ship  on  the  starboard  tack,  under  easy 
sail,  close  on  a  wind;  at  half  past  3  P.  M.  made  her  out  to  be  a 
frigate ;  continued  the  chase  until  we  were  within  about  three 
miles,  when  I  ordered  the  light  sails  taken  in,  the  courses  hauled 
up,  and  the  ship  cleared  for  action.  At  this  time  the  chase  had 
backed  his  main  top-sail,  waiting  for  us  to  come  down.  As  soon 
as  the  Constitution  was  ready  for  action,  I  bore  down  with  an 
intention  to  bring  him  to  close  action  immediately ;  but  on  our 
coming  within  gun-shot  she  gave  us  a  broadside  and  filled  away, 
and  wore,  giving  us  a  broadside  on  the  other  tack,  but  without  ef 
fect  ;  her  shot  falling  short.  She  continued  wearing  and  man- 
ceuvreing  for  about  three  quarters  of  an  hour,  to  get  a  raking 
position,  but  finding  she  could  not,  she  bore  up,  and  run  under 
top-sails  and  gib,  with  the  wind  on  the  quarter.  Immediately 
made  sail  to  bring  the  ship  up  with  her,  and  5  minutes  before  6 
P.  M.  being  along  side  within  half  pistol  shot,  we  commenced  a 
heavy  fire  from  all  our  guns,  double  shotted  with  round  and  grape, 
and  so  well  directed  were  they,  and  so  warmly  kept  up,  that  in 
15  minutes  his  mizen-mast  went  by  the  board,  and  his  main -yard 
in  the  slings,  and  the  hull,  rigging  and  sails  very  much  torn  to 
pieces.  The  fire  was  kept  up  with  equal  warmth  for  15  minutes 
longer,  when  his  main-mast  and  fore-mast  went,  taking  with  them 
every  spar,  excepting  the  bowsprit ;  on  seeing  this  we  ceased 
firing,  so  that  in  50  minutes  after  we  got  fairly  along  side  the 
enemy  she  surrendered,  and  had  not  a  spar  standing,  and  her  hull 
below  and  above  water  so  shattered,  that  a  few  more  broadsides 
must  have  carried  her  down. 

After  informing  you  that  so  fine  a  ship  as  the  Guerriere,  com 
manded  by  an  able  and  experienced  officer,  had  been  totally  dis 
masted,  and  otherwise  cut  to  pieces,  so  as  to  make  her  not  worth 
towing  into  port,  in  the  short  space  of  30  minutes,  you  can  have 
no  doubt  of  the  gallantry  and  good  conduct  of  the  officers  and 
ship's  company  I  have  the  honour  to  command.  It  only  remains, 
therefore,  for  me  to  assure  you,  that  they  all  fought  with  great 
bravery ;  and  it  gives  me  great  pleasure  to  say,  that  from  the 
smallest  boy  in  the  ship  to  the  oldest  seaman,  not  a  look  of  fear 
was  seen.  They  all  went  into  action,  giving  three  cheers,  and 
requesting  to  be  laid  close  along  side  the  enemv. 

Enclosed  I  have  the  honour  to  send  you  a  list  of  killed  and 
wounded  on  board  the  Constitution,  and  a  report  of  the  damages 
she  has  sustained  ;  also,  a  list  of  the  killed  and  wounded  on  board 
the  enemy,  with  his  quarter  bill,  &c. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be, 
With  very  great  respect, 
Sir,  your  obedient  servant, 

ISAAC  HULL. 
The  Hon.  Paul  Hamilton,  &c. 


51 

Killed  and  wounded  on  board  the  United  States'  frigate  Consti 
tution,  Isaac  Hull,  Esqr.  Captain,  in  the  action  with  his  Bri 
tannic  majesty's  frigate  Guerriere,  James  A.  Dacres,  Esqr. 
Captain,  on  the  ZQth  of  August,  1812. 

Killed — W.  S.  Bush,  lieutenant  of  Marines,  and  six  seamen,  7 

Wounded— lieutenant  C.  Morris,  Master  J.  C.  Aylwin,  four  seamen,  one 

marine,  7 

Total  killed  and  wounded,  14 


U.  S.  frigate  Constitution,  Aug.  21,  1812. 

ISAAC  HULL,  Captain. 
T.  I.  CHEW,  Purser. 

* 

Killed  and  wounded  on  board  the  Guerriere. 

Killed — 3  officers,  12  seamen  and  marines,  15 

Wounded — J.  A  Dacres,  captain,  4  officers,  57  seamen  and  marines,        62 
Missing1, — lieutenants  Pullman  and  Roberts,  and  22  seamen  and  marines, 

supposed  to  have  gone  overboard  with  the  masts,  24 

Total  killed,  wounded  and  missing,        101 

The  Constitution  rates  44  guns,  and  mounted  55,  her  comple 
ment  450  men.  The  Guerriere  rates  38  guns,  and  mounted  49, 
her  complement  300  men. 

Three  days  before  the  engagement  with  the  Constitution,  the 
Guerriere  spoke  the  John  Adams,  captain  Fash,  from  Liverpool, 
and  endorsed  on  his  register  the  following  lines : 

"  Captain  Dacres,  commander  of  his  Britannic  majesty's  frigate 
Guerriere,  of  44  guns,  presents  his  compliments  to  commodore 
Rodgers,  of  the  United  States  frigate  President,  and  will  be  very 
happy  to  meet  him,  or  any  other  American  frigate  of  equal  force 
to  the  President,  off*  Sandy  Hook,  for  the  purpose  of  having  a 
few  minutes  tete-a-tete." 

Captain  Hull  saved  him  the  trouble  of  going  so  far  for  the 
desired  tete-a-tete,  which  resulted  not  quite  to  the  satisfaction 
and  pleasure  of  Captain  Dacres. 


Extract  of  a  letter  from   Captain  Hull  to  the  Secretary  of  the 
Navy,  dated  August  30,  1812. 

"  I  cannot  tbut  make  you  acquainted  with  the  very  great  assis 
tance  I  received  from  that  valuable  officer,  lieutenant  Morris,  in 
bringing  the  ship  into  action,  and  in  working  her  whilst  along  side 
the  enemy,  and  I  am  extremely  sorry  to  state  that  he  is  badly 
wounded,  being  shot  through  the  body ;  we  have  yet  hopes  of  his 


52 

recovery,  when  I  am  sure  he  will  receive  the  thanks  and  grati- 
tude  of  his  country,  for  this  and  the  many  gallant  acts  he  has 
done  in  its  service.  Were  I  to  name  any  particular  officer  as 
having  been  more  useful  than  the  rest,  I  should  do  them  great 
injustice;  they  all  fought  bravely,  and  gave  me  every  possible 
assistance  that  I  could  wish.  I  am  extremely  sorry  to  state  to 
you  the  loss  of  lieutenant  Bush,  of  marines :  he  fell  at  the  head 
of  his  men  in  getting  ready  to  board  the  enemy.  In  him  our 
country  has  lost  a  valuable  and  brave  officer.  After  the  fall  of 
lieutenant  Bush,  lieutenant  Contee  of  the  corps,  took  command 
of  the  marines,  and  I  have  pleasure  in  saying  that  his  conduct 
was  that  of  a  brave,  good  officer,  and  the  marines  behaved  with 
great  coolness  and  courage  during  the  action,  and  annoyed  the 
enemy  very  much  whilst  she  was  under  our  stern." 


UNITED  STATES'  FRIGATE  PRESIDENT, 

BOSTON,  September  1,  1812. 

S[R, 

I  had  the  pleasure  of  informing  you  of  the  arrival  of  the 
squadron,  and  now  to  state  the  result  and  particulars  of  our 
cruise. 

Previous  to  leaving  New  York  on  the  21st  of  June,  I  heard 
that  a  British  convoy  had  sailed  from  Jamaica  for  England,  on  or 
about  the  20th  of  the  preceding;  month,  and  on  being  informed 
of  the  declaration  of  war  against  Great  Britain,  I  determined  in 
the  event  of  commodore  Decatur  joining  me  with  the  United 
States,  Congress  and  Argus,  as  you  had  directed,  to  go  in  pur 
suit  of  them.  The  United  States,  Congress  and  Argus,  did  join 
me  on  the  21st,  with  which  vessels,  this  ship  and  the  Hornet,  I 
accordingly  sailed  in  less  than  an  hour  after  I  had  received  your 
orders  of  the  18th  of  June,  accompanied  by  your  official  commu 
nication  of  the  declaration  of  war. 

On  leaving  New  York,  I  shaped  our  course  south-eastwardly,  in 
the  expectation  of  falling  in  with  vessels,  by  which  I  should  hear 
of  the  before  mentioned  convoy,  and  the  following  night  met 
with  an  American  brig  that  gave  me  the  sought  for  information  : 
the  squadron  now  crowded  sail  in  pursuit;  but  the  next  morning 
was  taken  out  of  its  course,  by  the  pursuit  of  a  British  frigate, 
that  I  since  find  was  the  Belvidera,  relative  to  which  I  beg  leave 
to  refer  you  to  the  enclosed  extract  from  my  journal :  after  re 
pairing  as  far  as  possible  the  injury  done  by  the  Belvidera  to 
our  spars  and  rigging,  we  again  crowded  all  sail  and  resumed  our 
course  in  pursuit  of  the  convoy,  but  did  not  receive  further  in 
telligence  of  it  until  the  29th  01  June,  on  the  western  edge  of  the 
banks  of  Newfoundland,  where  we  spoke  an  American  schooner, 
the  master  of  which  reported  that  he  had  two  days  before  passed 
them  in  latitude  43,  longitude  55,  steering  to  the  eastward ;  I 


was  surprised  to  find  that  the  squadron  was  still  so  far  to  the 
eastward  of  us,  but  was  urged,  however,  as  well  by  what  I  con 
sidered  my  duty,  as  by  inclination,  to  continue  the  pursuit. 

On  the  1st  of  July,  a  little  to  the  eastward  of  Newfoundland 
bank,  we  fell  in  with  quantities  of  cocoa-nut  shells,  orange  peels, 
&c.  which  indicated  that  the  convoy  were  not  far  distant,  and  we 
pursued  it  with  zeal,  although  frequently  taken  out  of  our  course 
by  vessels  it  was  necessary  to  chase,  without  gaining  any  fur 
ther  intelligence  until  the  9th  of  July,  in  latitude  45,  30,  longi 
tude  23,  we  captured  the  British  private  armed  brig  Dolphin,  of 
Jersey,  and  was  informed  by  some  of  her  crew  that  they  had  seen 
the  convoy  tlie  preceding  evening,  the  weather  was  not  clear  at 
the  time,  but  that  they  had  counted  85  sail,  and  that  the  force 
charged  with  its  protection  consisted  of  one  two  decker,  a  frigate, 
a  sloop  of  war,  and  a  brig. 

This  was  the  last  intelligence  I  received  of  the  before  men 
tioned  convoy,  although  its  pursuit  was  continued  until  the  13th 
of  July,  being  then  within  18  or  20  hours  sail  of  the  British 
channel.  From  this  we  steered  for  the  island  of  Madeira,  pas 
sed  close  by  it  on  the  21st  of  July,  thence  near  the  Azores,  and 
saw  Corvo  and  Flores  ;  thence  steered  for  the  banks  of  New 
foundland;  and  from  the  latter  place  (by  the  way  of  Cape  Sable) 
to  this  port,  it  having  become  indispensibly  necessary  (by  the 
time  we  reached  our  own  coast)  to  make  the  first  convenient  port 
in  the  United  States  ;  owing,  I  am  sorry  to  say,  to  that  wretch 
ed  disease  the  scurvy,  having  made  its  appearance  on  board  of 
the  vessels,  most  generally  to  a  degree  seriously  alarming. 

From  the  western  part  of  the  banks  of  Newfoundland  to  our 
making  the  island  of  Madeira,  the  weather  was  such,  at  least 
six  days  out  of  seven,  as  to  obscure  from  our  discovery,  every 
object  that  we  did  not  pass  within  four  or  five  miles  of,  and  in 
deed  for  several  days  together  the  fog  was  so  thick  as  to  prevent 
our  seeing  each  other,  even  at  a  cable's  length  asunder,  more  than 
twice  or  thrice  in  twenty-four  hours. 

From  the  time  of  our  leaving  the  United  States  until  our  ar 
rival  here  we  chased  every  vessel  we  saw,  and  you  will  not  be 
a  little  astonished  when  I  inform  you  that,  although  we  brought 
to  every  thing  we  did  chase,  with  the  exception  of  four  vessels, 
we  only  made  seven  captures  and  one  re-capture. 

It  is  truly  an  unpleasant  task  to  be  obliged  to  make  a  commu 
nication  thus  barren  of  benefit  to  our  country:  the  only  consola 
tion  I  individually  feel  on  the  occasion,  being  derived  from  our 
knowing  that  our  being  at  sea  obliged  the  enemy  to  concentrate 
a  considerable  portion  of  his  most  active  force,  and  thereby  pre 
vented  his  capturing  an  incalculable  amount  of  American  pro 
perty  that  would  otherwise  have  fallen  a  sacrifice. 

I  am  aware  of  the  anxiety  you  must  have  experienced  at  not 
hearing  from  me  for  such  a  length  of  time,  but  this  I  am  sure  you 
will  not  attribute  iu  any  degree  to  neglect,  when  I  inform  you  that 


54 

not  a  single  proper  opportunity  occurred  from  the  time  of  leaving 
the  United  States  until  our  return. 

Mr.  Newcomb,  who  will  deliver  you  this,  you  will  find  an  in 
telligent  young  man,  capable  of  giving  such  further  information 
as  you  may  deem  of  any  moment :  he  will  at  the  same  time  de 
liver  you  a  chai't,  shewing  the  track  in  which  we  cruised :  an 
nexed  is  a  list  of  vessels  captured,  re-captured  and  burnt. 

The  four  vessels  we  chased  and  did  not  come  up  with  were, 
the-Belvidera,  a  small  pilot-boat  schooner,  supposed  to  be  an 
American  privateer,  the  hermaphrodite  privateer  brig,  Yankee, 
which  we  lost  sight  of  in  a  fog,  but  whose  character  we  afterwards 
learnt,  and  a  frigate  supposed  to  be  British,  that  we  chased  on 
the  28th  ultimo  near  the  shoal  of  George's  bank,  and  should 
certainly  have  come  up  with,  had  we  have  had  the  advantage  of 
two  hours  more  day -light. 

On  board  of  the  several  vessels  ot  the  squadron  there  are  be 
tween  80  and  100  prisoners  taken  from  the  vessels  we  captured 
during  our  late  cruise  :  the  government  not  having  any  agent  for 
prisoners  here,  1  shall  send  them  to  commodore  Bainbridge,  to 
be  disposed  of  in  such  manner  as  best  appears  with  the  interest 
of  the  United  States,  and  which  I  hope  may  meet  your  approba 
tion. 

With  the  greatest  respect, 
I  have  the  honour  to  be,  sir, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

JOHN  RODGERS. 

The  Hon.  Paul  Hamilton, 

Secretary  of  the  Navy,  Washington. 

One  ship,  four  brigs,  and  two  schooners  were  captured  during  this  cruise. 


VOLUNTEERS  WANTED. 

FELLOW  CITIZENS  OF  OHIO, 

At  a  moment  like  this,  I  appeal  to  your  valor  and  patriotism. 
Major  general  Harrison  will  rendezvous  a  respectable  force  of 
Kentucky  volunteers  at  Dayton  on  the  15th  instant  for  a  short 
expedition.  General  Harrison  desires  to  add  to  his  troops  any 
number  of  volunteers  from  the  state  of  Ohio,  who  will  serve  on 
the  expedition  thirty  days.  All  those  who  will  embrace  this  fa 
vourable  opportunity  of  distinguishing  themselves  under  an  able 
commander,  and  of  rendering  to  the  state  of  Ohio  a  valuable  ser 
vice,  will  in  their  equipments  and  movements  follow  the  directions 
of  General  Harrison,  hereunto  subjoined. 

R.  J.  MEIGS, 

Governor  of  Ohio. 
Piqua,  September  2, 1812. 


55 
VOLUNTEERS— TO  ARMS!  TO  ARMS! 

Any  number  of  volunteers,  mounted  and  prepared  for  active 
service,  to  continue  twenty-five  or  thirty  days,  will  be  accepted, 
to  rendezvous  at  the  town  of  Dayton,  on  the  Great  Miami,  on 
the  15th  instant.  It  is  expected  that  the  volunteers  will  provide 
themselves  with  salt  provisions,  and  a  proportion  of  biscuit ; 
those  who  are  unable  to  procure  them  will  be  furnished  if  possible. 
Those  brave  men  who  give  their  country  their  services  on-  this 
occasion,  may  be  assured  that  an  opportunity  of  distinguishing 
themselves  will  be  oifered.  I  shall  command  the  expedition  in 
person ;  and  the  number  of  troops  employed  will  be  •  entirely 
adequate  to  the  object  proposed.  I  wish  also  to  hire  a  number 
of  substantial  horses :  fifty  cents  per  day  will  be  allowed  for  each 
horse  which  is  provided  with  saddle  and  bridle.  Those  patriotic 
citizens  who  are  unable  to  aftbrd  their  personal  assistance,  will 
render  essential  service  to  their  country  by  furnishing  the  horses, 
which  must  be  delivered  in  Dayton  on  the  14th  instant,  to  a  per 
son  who  will  be  authorized  to  receive  and  receipt  for  them. 

W.  H.  HARRISON, 

Head  Quarters,  Piqua,  Sept.  2,  1812. 


8.  W.  Culbertson  to  Mr.   Chambers,  editor  of  the    Zanesvillc 
Messenger,  1812. 

MR.  CHAMBERS, 

I  have  just  returned  from  Urbanna,  where  governor  Mei^s  is 
at  present  with  about  1000  soldiers.  Brigadier  general  Harrison 
is  at  Piqua  with  2000  Kentucky  soldiers,  and  2000  more  in  his 
rear.  Harrison's  presence  appears  to  inspire  every  person  with 
courage,  and  makes  even  cowards  brave.  His  present  conduct 
evinces  a  determination  to  retrieve  the  injured  reputation  of  our 
country.  He  has  made  a  most  animated  speech  to  the  friendly 
natives  at  Piqua,  who  are  numerous,  and  sueing  for  a  continuance 
of  peace.  He  has  promised  them  protection,  at  the  same  time 
assuring  them  in  terrific  language,  which  struck  terror  to  all 
hearts,  that  the  name  of  an  Indian  foe  should  not  long  be  known 
among  us — that  the  American  army  will  no  longer  be  commanded 
by  an  old  woman. 

Governor  Meigs's  late  patriotic  conduct  and  exertions  appear 
to  be  rewarded  only  with  ingratitude.  He  has  ordered  the  2d 
detachment  of  militia,  which  marched  from  this  place  under  the 
command  of  colonel  M'Connell,  to  be  dismissed,  having  been 
called  out  contrary  to  his  instructions  and  intentions,  which  must 
have  been  misunderstood. 

S.  W.  CULBERTSON. 


56* 
Extract  of  a  letter  from  Gov.  Harrison  to  Gov.  Shelby,  dated 

HEAD  QUARTERS,  PIQUA, 

September  5th,  1812, 4  o'clock,  A.  M. 

"  The  British  and  Indians  have  laid  siege  to  Fort  Wayne,  per 
haps  have  taken  it.  It  is  their  object  to  push  on  to  Fort  Harrison 
and  Vincennes.  You  will,  my  dear  sir,  leave  nothing  undone,  I 
am  convinced,  to  relieve  those  places  ;  but  it  must  be  done  with 
mounted  men,  who  will  carry  the  greater  part  of  their  own  pro 
visions.  Miller's  regiment  I  hope  have  marched  from  the  falls ; 
it  ought  to  be  followed  by  a  considerable  force  of  mounted  men. 
I  have  already  detached  colonel  Allen,  with  900  Kentucky  infan 
try,  (towards  Fort  Wayne)  he  is  to  be  joined  by  700  mounted  men 
that  are  advanced  of  this ;  but  I  have  been  unable  to  move  with 
the  rest  of  the  army  for  the  want  of  two  essential  articles  ;  a 
small  supply  will  be  up  to  day,  and  the  troops  will  be  ready  to 
march  in  two  hours.  Great  God  !  what  an  opportunity  I  may 
lose  of  avenging  my  country  and  saving  the  frontiers,  for  the 
want  of  a  few  trifling  articles.  However,  we  are  amply  sup 
plied  with  bayonets,  and  our  spirits  are  roused  to  the  highest 
pitch.  Indignation  and  resentment  fire  every  breast." 


WASHINGTON,  September  10th,  1812. 

SIR, 

Having  been  ordered  on  to  this  place  by  colonel  M' Arthur, 
for  the  purpose  of  communicating  to  the  government  such  par 
ticulars  respecting  the  expedition  lately  commanded  by  briga 
dier  general  Hull  and  its  disastrous  result,  as  might  enable  them 
correctly  to  appreciate  the  conduct  of  the  officers  and  men,  and 
to  develope  the  causes  which  produced  so  foul  a  stain  upon  the 
national  character,  I  have  the  honour  to  submit  to  your  consider 
ation  the  following  statement : 

When  the  forces  landed  in  Canada,  they  landed  with  an  ardent 
zeal,  and  stimulated  with  the  hope  of  conquest.  No  enemy  ap 
peared  within  view  of  us,  and  had  an  immediate  and  vigorous 
attack  been  made  upon  Maiden,  it  would  doubtless  have  fallen 
an  easy  victory.  I  knew  general  Hull  afterwards  declared  he 
regretted  this  attack  had  not  been  made,  and  he  had  every  reason 
to  believe  success  would  have  crowned  his  efforts.  The  reasons 
given  for  delaying  our  operations  was  to  mount  our  heavy  cannon, 
and  to  afford  to  the  Canadian  militia  time  and  opportunity  to 
quit  an  obnoxious  service.  In  the  course  of  two  weeks  the 
number  of  their  militia  who  were  embodied,  had  decreased  by 
desertion,  from  six  hundred  to  one  hundred  men ;  and,  in  the 
course  of  three  weeks,  the  cannon  were  mounted,  the  ammuni 
tion  fixed,  and  every  preparation  made  for  an  immediate  invest- 


ment  of  the  fort.  At  a  council,  at  which  were  present  all  the 
field  officers,  and  which  was  held  two  days  before  our  prepara 
tions  were  completed,  it  was  unanimously  agreed  to  make  an 
immediate  attempt  to  accomplish  the  object  of  the  expedition. 
If  by  waiting  two  days  we  could  have  the  service  of  our  heavy 
artillery,  it  was  agreed  to  wait;  if  not,  it  was  determined  to  go 
without  it  and  attempt  the  place  by*  storm.  This  opinion  ap 
peared  to  correspond  with  the  views  of  the  general,  and  the  day 
was  appointed  for  commencing  our  march.  He  declared  to  me 
that  he  considered  himself  pledged  to  lead  the  army  to  Maiden. 
The  ammunition  was  placed  in  the  wagons ;  the  cannon  were 
embarked  on  board  the  floating  batteries,  and  every  requisit$ 
article  was  prepared.  The  spirit  and  zeal,  the  ardor  and  anima 
tion  displayed  by  the  officers  and  men  on  learning  the  near  accom 
plishment  of  their  wishes,  were  a  sure  and  sacred  pledge,  that  in 
the  hour  of  trial  they  would  not  be  found  wanting  in  duty  to  their 
country  and  themselves.  But  a  change  of  measures,  in  opposi 
tion  to  the  wishes  and  opinions  of  all  the  officers,  was  adopted 
by  the  general.  The  plan  of  attacking  Maiden  was  abandoned, 
and  instead  of  acting  offensively,  we  broke  up  our  camp,  evacu 
ated  Canada,  and  re-crossed  the  river  in  the  night,  without  even 
the  shadow  of  an  enemy  to  injure  us.  We  left  to  the  tender 
mercy  of  the  enemy,  the  miserable  Canadians  who  had  joined 
us,  and  the  protection  we  afforded  them  was  but  a  passport  of 
vengeance.  This  fatal  and  unaccountable  step  dispirited  the 
troops,  and  destroyed  the  little  confidence  which  a  series  of 
timid,  irresolute  and  indecisive  measures  had  left  in  the  com 
manding  officer. 

About  the  10th  of  August,  the  enemy  received  a  reinforce 
ment  of  four  hundred  men.  On  the  12th,  the  commanding  of 
ficers  of  three  of  the  regiments  (the  fourth  was  absent)  were 
informed  through  a  medium  which  admitted  of  no  doubt,  that 
the  general  had  stated,  that  a  capitulation  would  be  necessary. 
They  on  the  same  day  addressed  to  governor  Meigs,  of  Ohio,  a 
letter,  of  which  the  following  is  an  extract: 

"  Believe  all  the  bearer  will  tell  you.  Believe  it,  however  it 
may  astonish  you,  as  much  as  if  told  by  one  of  us.  Even  a 

c is  talked  of  by  the The  bearer  will  fill 

the  vacancy." 

The  doubtful  fate  of  this  letter  rendered  it  necessary  to  use 
circumspection  in  its  details,  and  therefore  the  blanks  were  left. 
The  word  'capitulation'  will  fill  the  first,  and  'commanding  ge 
neral'  the  other.  As  no  enemy  was  near  us,  and  as  the  superi 
ority  of  our  force  was  manifest,  we  could  see  no  necessity  for 
capitulating,  nor  any  propriety  in  alluding  to  it.  We  therefore 
determined  in  the  last  resort  to  incur  the  responsibility  of  di 
vesting  the  general  of  his  command.  This  plan  was  eventually 
prevented  by  two  of  the  commanding  officers  of  regiments  being 
ordered  upon  detachments. 
8 


58 

On  the  13th,  the  British  took  a  position  opposite  to  Detroit, 
and  began  to  throw  up  works.  During  that  and  the  two  following 
days,  they  pursued  their  object  without  interruption,  and  esta 
blished  a  battery  for  two  18  pounders  and  an  8  inch  howitzer. 
About  sun-set  on  the  evening  of  the  14th,  a  detachment  of  350 
men,  from  the  regiments  commanded  by  colonel  M* Arthur  and 
myself,  was  ordered  to  march  to  the  river  Raisin,  to  escort  the 
provisions,  which  had  some  time  remained  there  protected  by  a 
party  under  the  command  of  captain  Brush. 

On  Saturday,  the  15th,  about  1  o'clock,  a  flag  of  truce  arriv 
ed  from  Sandwich,  bearing  a  summons  from  general  Brock,  for 
the  surrender  of  the  town  and  fort  of  Detroit,  stating  he  could  no 
longer  restrain  the  fury  of  the  savages.  To  this  an  immediate 
and  spirited  refusal  was  returned.  About  4  o'clock  their  batte 
ries  began  to  play  upon  the  town.  The  fire  was  returned  and 
continued  without  interruption  and  with  little  effect  till  dark — 
their  shells  were  thrown  till  11  o'clock. 

At  day  light  the  firing  on  both  sides  re-commenced  ;  about  the 
same  time  the  enemy  began  to  land  troops  at  the  Spring  Wells, 
three  miles  below  Detroit,  protected  by  two  of  their  armed  ves 
sels.  Between  6  and  7  o'clock  they  had  effected  their  landing, 
and  immediately  took  up  their  line  of  march ;  they  moved  in  a 
close  column  of  platoons,  twelve  in  front,  upon  the  bank  of  the 
river. 

The  4th  regiment  was  stationed  in  the  fort ;  the  Ohio  volun 
teers  and  a  part  of  the  Michigan  militia,  behind  some  pickets, 
in  a  situation  in  which  the  whole  flank  of  the  enemy  would  have 
been  exposed.  The  residue  of  the  Michigan  militia  were  in  the 
upper  part  of  the  town  to  resist  the  incursions  of  the  savages. 
Two  24  pounders  loaded  with  grape  shot  were  posted  on  a  com 
manding  eminence,  ready  to  sweep  the  advancing  column.  In 
this  situation,  the  superiority  of  our  position  was  apparent,  and 
our  troops,  in  the  eager  expectation  of  victory,  awaited  the  ap 
proach  of  the  enemy.  Not  a  sigh  of  discontent  broke  upon  the 
ear;  not  a  look  of  cowardice  met  the  eye.  Every  man  expected 
a  proud  day  for  his  country,  and  each  was  anxious  that  his  indi 
vidual  exertion  should  contribute  to  the  general  result. 

When  the  head  of  their  column  arrived  within  about  five  hun 
dred  yards  of  our  line,  orders  were  received  from  general  Hull 
for  the  whole  to  retreat  to  the  fort,  and  for  the  twenty-four  poun 
ders  not  to  open  upon  the  enemy.  One  universal  burst  of  indig 
nation  was  apparent  upon  the  receipt  of  this  order.  Those,  whose 
conviction  was  the  deliberate  result  of  a  dispassionate  examina 
tion  of  passing  events,  saw  the  folty  and  impropriety  of  crowd 
ing  1100  men  into  a  little  work,  which  300  could  fully  man,  and 
into  which  the  shot  and  shells  of  the  enemy  were  continually 
falling.  The  fort  was  in  this  manner  filled  ;  the  men  were  di 
rected  to  stack  their  arms,  and  scarcely  was  an  opportunity  af 
forded  of  moving.  Shortly  after  a  white  flag  was  hung  out  upon 


59 

the  walls.  A  British  officer  rode  up  to  enquire  the  cause.  A 
communication  passed  between  the  commanding  generals,  which 
ended  in  the  capitulation  submitted  to  you.  In  entering  into  this 
capitulation,  the  general  took  counsel  from  his  own  feelings  only. 
Not  an  officer  was  consulted.  Not  one  anticipated  a  surrender 
till  he  saw  the  white  flag  displayed.  Even  the  women  were  in 
dignant  at  so  shameful  a  degradation  of  the  American  character, 
and  all  felt  as  they  should  have  felt,  but  he  who  held  in  his  hands 
the  reins  of  authority. 

Our  morning  report  of  that  morning  made  our  effective  men 
present  fit  for  duty  1060,  without  including  the  detachment  be 
fore  alluded  to,  and  without  including  300  of  the  Michigan  mili 
tia  on  duty.  About  dark  on  Sunday  evening  the  detachment  sent 
to  escort  the  provisions  received  orders  from  general  Hull  to  re 
turn  with  as  much  expedition  as  possible.  About  ten  o'clock 
the  next  day  they  arrived  within  sight  of  Detroit.  Had  a  firing 
been  heard,  or  any  resistance  visible,  they  would  have  imme 
diately  advanced  and  attacked  the  rear  of  the  enemy.  The  si 
tuation  in  which  this  detachment  was  placed,  although  the  result 
of  accident,  was  the  best  for  annoying  the  enemy  and  cutting  off 
his  retreat  that  could  have  been  selected.  With  his  raw  troops 
enclosed  between  two  fires  and  no  hopes  of  succour,  it  is  hazard 
ing  little  to  say,  that  very  few  would  have  escaped. 

I  have  been  informed  by  colonel  Findley,  who  saw  the  return 
of  the  quarter  master  general  the  day  after  the  surrender,  that 
their  whole  force  of  every  description,  white,  red  and  black,  was 
1030.  They  had  twenty-nine  platoons,  twelve  in  a  platoon,  of 
men  dressed  in  uniform.  Many  of  these  were  evidently  Cana 
dian  militia.  The  rest  of  their  militia  increased  their  white 
force  to  about  seven  hundred  men. 

The  number  of  their  Indians  could  not  be  ascertained  with  any 
degree  of  precision  ;  not  many  were  visible.  And  in  the  event  of 
an  attack  upon  the  town  and  fort,  it  was  a  species  of  force  which 
could  have  afforded  no  material  advantage  to  the  enemy. 

In  endeavouring  to  appreciate  the  motives  and  to  investigate, 
the  causes  which  led  to  an  event  so  unexpected  and  dishonoura 
ble,  it  is  impossible  to  find  any  solution  in  the  relative  strength  of 
the  contending  parties,  or  in  the  measures  of  resistance  in  our 
power.  That  we  were  far  superior  to  the  enemy ;  that  upon  any 
ordinary  principles  of  calculation,  we  could  have  defeated  them, 
the  wounded  and  indignant  feelings  of  every  man  there  will  testify. 

A  few  days  before  the  surrender,  I  was  informed  by  general 
Hull,  we  had  400  rounds  of  24  pound  shot  fixed,  and  about  100,000 
cartridges  made.  We  surrendered  with  the  fort  40  barrels 
of  powder  and  2500  stand  of  arms. 

The  state  of  our  provisions  has  not  been  generally  understood. 
On  the  day  of  the  surrender  we  had  fifteen  days  of  provisions  of 
every  kind  on  hand.  Of  meat  there  was  plenty  in  the  country, 
arrangements  had  b-eeo  made  for  pucdnisuig  and  grinding 


60 

the  flour.  It  was  calculated  we  could  readily  procure  three 
month's  provisions,  independent  of  150  barrels  of  flour,  and  1300 
head  of  cattle  which  had  been  forwarded  from  the  state  of  Ohio, 
which  remained  at  the  river  Raisin  under  captain  Brush,  within 
reach  of  the  army. 

But  had  we  been  totally  destitute  of  provisions,  our  duty  and 
our  interest  undoubtedly  was  to  fight.  The  enemy  invited  us  to 
meet  him  in  the  field. 

By  defeating  him  the  whole  country  would  have  been  open  to 
us,  and  the  object  of  our  expedition  gloriously  and  successfully 
obtained.  If  we  had  been  defeated  we  had  nothing  to  do  but  to 
retreat  to  the  fort,  and  make  the  best  defence  which  circum 
stances  and  our  situation  rendered  practicable.  But  basely  to  sur 
render  without  firing  a  gun — tamely  to  submit  without  raising  a 
bayonet — disgracefully  to  pass  in  review  before  an  enemy  as  in 
ferior  in  the  quality  as  in  the  number  of  his  forces,  were  circum 
stances,  which  excited  feelings  of  indignation  more  er-sily  felt 
than  described.  To  see  the  whole  of  our  men  flushed  with  the 
hope  of  victory,  eagerly  awaiting  the  approaching  contest ;  to  see 
them  afterwards  dispirited,  hopeless  and  desponding,  at  least  500 
shedding  tears,  because  they  were  not  allowed  to  meet  their 
country's  foe,  and  to  fight  their  country's  battles,  excited  sensa 
tions,  which  no  American  has  ever  before  had  cause  to  feel,  and 
\vhich,  I  trust  in  God,  will  never  again  be  felt,  while  one  man  re 
mains  to  defend  the  standard  of  the  union. 

I  am  expressly  authorized  to  state,  that  colonel  M 'Arthur  and 
colonel  Findley,  and  lieutenant  colonel  Miller,  view  this  transac 
tion  in  the  light  which  I  do.  They  know  and  feel,  that  no  cir 
cumstance  in  our  situation,  none  in  that  of  the  enemy,  can  excuse 
a  capitulation  so  dishonourable  and  unjustifiable.  This  too  is  the 
universal  sentiment  among  the  troops  ;  and  I  shall  be  surprised 
to  learn,  that  there  is  one  man,  who  thinks  it  was  necessary  to 
sheath  his  sword,  or  lay  down  his  musket. 

I  was  informed  by  general  Hull  the  morning  after  the  capitula 
tion,  that  the  British  forces  consisted  of  1800  regulars,  and  that  he 
surrendered  to  prevent  the  effusion  of  human  blood.  That  he 
magnified  their  regular  force  nearly  five  fold,  there  can  be  no 
doubt.  Whether  the  philanthropic  reason  assigned  by  him  is  a 
sufficient  justification  for  surrendering  a  fortified  town,  an  army 
and  a  territory,  is  for  the  government  to  determine.  Confident 
I  am,  that  had*  the  courage  and  conduct  of  the  general  been  equal 
to  the  spirit  and  zeal  of  the  troops,  the  event  would  have  been 
as  brilliant  and  successful  as  it  now  is  disastrous  and  dishonour 
able. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be  yours,  &c. 

LEWIS  CASS, 
Col.  3d  reg.  Ohio  volunteers. 

The  Hon.  William  Eustis, 

Secretary  of  War.- 


61 
ATTACK  ON  FORT  HARRISON. 

FORT  HARRISON,  September  10,  1812. 

SIR, 

On  Thursday  evening,  the  3d  instant,  after  retreat  beating, 
four  guns  were  heard  to  fire  in  the  direction,  where  two  young 
men  (citizens  who  resided  here)  were  'making  hay,  about  400 
yards  distant  from  the  fort.  I  was  immediately  impressed  with 
the  idea  that  they  were  killed  by  Indians,  as  the  Miamies  or 
Waes  had  that  day  informed  me  that  the  Prophet's  party  would 
soon  be  here  for  the  purpose  of  commencing  hostilities  ;  and  that 
they  had  been  directed  to  leave  this  place,  which  they  were  about 
to  do.  I  did  not  think  it  prudent  to  send  out  at  that  late  hour 
of  the  night  to  see  what  became  of  them ;  and  their  not  coming 
in,  convinced  me  that  I  was  right  in  my  conjecture.  I  waited 
until  8  o'clock  next  morning,  to  find  them,  when  I  sent  out  a 
corporal,  with  a  small  party  to  find  them,  if  it  could  be  done 
without  running  too  much  risk  of  being  drawn  into  an  ambus 
cade.  He  soon  sent  back  to  inform  me  that  he  had  found  them 
both  killed,  and  wished  to  know  my  further  orders.  I  sent  the  cart 
and  oxen,  and  had  them  brought  in  and  buried ;  they  had  been 
each  shot  with  two  balls,  scalped  and  cut  in  the  most  shocking 
manner.  Late  in  the  evening  of  the  4th  instant,  Joseph  Lenar 
and  between  30  and  40  Indians  arrived  from  Prophet's  town 
with  a  white  flag,  among  whom  were  about  10  women,  and  the 
men  were  composed  ot  the  chiefs  of  the  different  tribes  that 
compose  the  Prophet's  party. 

A  Shawnee  man,  that  spoke  good  English,  informed  me  that 
old  Lenar  intended  to  speak  to  me  next  morning,  and  try  to  get 
something  to  eat.  At  retreat  beating  I  examined  the  men's  arms, 
and  found  them  all  in  good  order,  and  completed  their  cartridges 
to  16  rounds  per  man.  As  I  had  not  been  able  to  mount  a  guard 
of  more  than  6  privates  and  2  non-commissioned  officers,  for 
some  time  past,  and  sometimes  part  of  them  every  other  day^ 
from  the  unhealthiness  of  the  company,  I  had  not  conceived  my 
force  adequate  to  the  defence  of  this  post,  should  it  be  vigorously 
attacked,  for  some  time  past.  As  I  had  just  recovered  from  a  very 
severe  attack  of  the  fever,  I  was  not  able  to  be  up  much  througa 
the  night.  After  tatoo,  I  cautioned  the  guards  to  be  vigilant,  and 
ordered  one  of  the  non-commissioned  officers  (as  the  sentinels 
could  not  see  every  part  of  the  garrison)  to  walk  round  the  inside, 
during  the  whole  night,  to  prevent  the  Indians  taking  any  advan 
tage  of  us,  provided  they  had  any  intention  of  attacking  us. 
About  11  o'clock  I  was  awakened  by  the  firing  of  the  sentinels. 
I  sprang  up,  ran  out,  and  ordered  the  men  to  their  posts,  when  my 
orderly  sergeant,  who  had  charge  of  the  block  house,  called  out 
that  the  Indians  had  fired  the  lower  block  house,  which  contained 
the  property  of  the  contractor,  which  was  deposited  in  the  lower 
part,  the  upper  part  having  been  assigned  to  a  corporal  atid  10 


62 

privates,  as  an  alarm  post ;  the  guns  had  began  to  fire  pretty 
smartly  from  both  sides.  I  directed  the  buckets  to  be  got  ready 
and  water  brought  from  the  well,  and  the  fire  extinguished  inT- 
mediately,  as  it  was  hardly  perceivable  at  that  time  ;  but  from 
debility  or  some  other  cause  the  men  were  very  slow  in  executing 
my  orders  ;  the  word  appeared  to  throw  them  all  into  confusion ; 
and  by  the  time  they  had  got  the  water,  and  broke  open  the  door, 
the  fire  had  communicated  to  a  quantity  of  whiskey  ;  and  in  spite 
of  every  exertion  we  could  make  use  of,  in  less  than  a  moment, 
it  ascended  to  the  roof,  and  baffled  every  effort  we  could  make 
to  extinguish  it. 

As  that  block  house  adjoined  the  barracks  that  make  part  of 
the  fortifications,  most  of  the  men  immediately  gave  themselves 
up  for  lost,  and  I  had  the  greatest  difficulty  in  getting  any  of 
my  orders  executed ;  and,  sir,  from  the  raging  of  the  fire,  the  yell 
ing  and  howling  of  several  hundred  Indians,  the  cries  of  9  wo 
men  and  children  who  had  taken  shelter  in  the  fort,  and  the  des 
ponding  of  so  many  of  the  men  (which  was  worse  than  all,)  I 
can  assure  you  that  my  feelings  were  unpleasant.  Indeed  there 
were  not  more  than  10  or  15  men  able  to  do  a  great  deal,  the 
others  being  either  sick  or  convalescent,  and  to  add  to  our  mis 
fortunes,  two  of  the  stoutest  men  of  the  fort,  and  that  I  had  every 
confidence  in,  jumped  the  picket  and  left  us.  But  my  presence 
of  mind  did  not  for  a  moment  forsake  me.  I  saw  by  throwing 
oft*  part  of  the  roof  that  joined  the  block  house  that  was  on  fire, 
and  keeping  the  end  perfectly  wet,  the  whole  row  of  buildings 
might  be  saved,  and  leave  only  an  entrance  of  18  or  20  feet  for 
the  Indians  to  enter,  after  the  house  was  consumed ;  and  that  a 
temporary  breast  work  might  be  erected  to  prevent  even  their 
entering  there.  I  convinced  the  men  that  this  could  be  accom 
plished,  and  it  appeared  to  inspire  them  with  new  life,  and  never 
did  men  act  with  more  firmness  or  desperation  :  those  that  were 
able,  (while  the  others  kept  up  a  fire  from  the  other  block  house 
and  the  two  bastions,)  mounted  the  roofs  of  the  houses,  with 
doctor  Clarke  at  their  head,  (who  acted  with  the  greatest  firm 
ness  and  presence  of  mind  the  whole  time  the  attack  lasted, 
which  was  8  hours  under  a  shower  of  bullets,)  and  in  a  moment 
threw  off*  as  much  of  the  roof  as  was  necessary.  This  was  done 
with  the  loss  of  one  man  only,  and  two  wounded,  neither  of  them 
dangerously  ;  the  man  that  was  killed  was  a  little  deranged,  and 
did  not  get  off'  the  house  as  soon  as  directed,  or  he  would  not 
have  been  hurt;  and  although  the  barracks  were  several  times 
in  a  blaze,  the  men  used  such  exertions  that  they  kept  it  under ; 
and  before  day-light,  raised  a  temporary  breast-work  as  high  as 
a  man's  head,  although  the  Indians  continued  to  pour  in  a  heavy 
fire  of  ball,  and  an  innumerable  quantity  of  arrows,  during  the 
whole  time  the  attack  lasted,  in  every  part  of  the  parade. 

I  had  but  one  other  man  killed,  nor  any  other  wounded  inside 
the  fort,  and  he  lost  his  life  by  being  too  anxious :  he  got  into  one 


1)3 

of  the  gallies  in  the  bastions  and  fired  over  the  pickets,  and  called  to 
his  comrades  that  he  had  killed  an  Indian,  and  neglecting  to  stoop 
down,  in  an  instant  he  was  shot  dead.  One  of  the  men  that  jump 
ed  the  picket  returned  an  hour  before  day,  and  running  towards 
the  gate,  begged  for  God's  sake  it  might  be  opened.  I  suspect 
ed  it  to  be  a  stratagem  of  the  Indians  to  get  in.  As  I  did  not 
recollect  the  voice,  I  directed  the  men  in  the  bastion  where  I 
happened  to  be,  to  shoot  him,  let  him  be  who  he  would,  and  one 
of  them  fired  at  him,  but  fortunately  he  ran  up  to  the  other  bas 
tion,  where  they  knew  his  voice,  and  doctor  Clarke  directed  him 
to  lie  down  close  to  the  pickets  behind  an  empty  barrel  that  hap 
pened  to  be  there,  and  at  day-light  I  had  him  let  in.  His  arm  was 
broke  in  a  most  shocking  manner,  which  he  says  was  done  by  the 
Indians,  and  which  I  suppose  was  the  cause  of  his  returning.  The 
other  man  they  caught  about  120  yards  from  the  garrison,  and  cut 
him  all  to  pieces.  After  keeping  up  a  constant  fire,  until  about 
6  o'clock  the  next  morning,  which  we  began  to  return  with  some 
effect  after  day-light,  they  removed  out  of  the  reach  of  our  guns. 
A  party  of  them  drove  up  the  horses  that  belonged  to  the  citizens 
here,  and  as  they  could  not  catch  them  very  readily,  shot  the 
whole  of  them  in  our  sight,  as  well  as  a  number  of  their  hogs. 
They  drove  off  the  cattle,  which  amounted  to  65  head,  with  the 
public  oxen.  I  had  the  vacancy  filled  up  before  night  (which  was 
occasioned  by  the  burning  of  the  block  house)  with  a  strong  row 
of  pickets,  which  I  got  by  pulling  down  the  guard  house.  We  lost 
the  whole  of  our  provisions,  but  must  make  out  to  live  upon  green 
corn  until  we  can  get  a  supply,  which  I  hope  will  not  be  long. 
I  believe  the  whole  of  the  Miamies  or  Waes,  were  with  the  Pro 
phet's  party,  as  one  chief  gave  his  orders  in  that  language,  which 
resembled  Stone-eater's  voice,  and  I  believe  Negro-legs  was  there 
likewise.  A  Frenchman  here  understands  their  different  lan 
guages,  and  several  of  the  Waes  that  have  been  frequently  here, 
were  recognized  by  the  soldiers  next  morning.  The  Indians  suf 
fered  smartly,  but  were  so  numerous  as  to  take  off  all  that  were 
shot :  they  continued  with  us  until  the  next  morning,  but  made 
no  further  attempt  on  the  fort,  nor  have  we  seen  any  thing  more 
of  them  since. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be  yours,  &c. 

Z.  TAYLOR 
His  excellency  g-ov.  Harrison. 


FORT  MADISON,  September  10,  1812. 
SIR, 

On  the  5th  instant,  this  garrison  was  attacked  by  a  numerous 
body  of  Indians.  They  began  by  their  usual  mode  of  sneaking 
up.  One  man,  who  had  liberty  to  go  outside  upon  a  necessary  oc 
casion,  was  killed,  tomahawked  and  scalped  within  twenty-five 


61 

paces  of  the  sentinel  who  was  stationed  iu  a  block  house,  not 
withstanding  the  sentinel  fired  on  them. 

In  a  little  time  the  attack  commenced  with  a  pretty  general 
discharge  of  fire  arms  on  all  sides — the  balls  and  buck  shot  fell 
in  like  hail  and  continued  until  dark.  They  then  retired. 

On  the  morning  of  the  6th,  they  appeared  in  small  squads  in 
every  direction — a  part  under  the  bank  firing  into  our  loop  holes, 
while  others  were  employed  in  killing  all  the  live  stock  in  the 
place.  At  4  o'clock  P.  M.  they  all  collected  under  the  bank  of 
the  river  and  commenced  firing  at  our  flag  and  blockhouses,  and 
after  firing  about  400  shot  thev  cut  the  halyards  and  the  flag  fell 
inside  :  a  general  shout  was  given  by  them  as  a  triumph  of  vic 
tory.  They  continued  in  part  till  after  night,  and  kept  up  a  fire 
while  one  took  away  the  man  whom  they  had  killed,  which  we 
were  unable  to  effect,  as  we  did  not  know  the  number  that  might 
be  there. 

On  the  morning  of  the  7th,  about  the  first  thing  that  presented 
to  our  view  was  the  man's  head  and  heart  stuck  upon  sticks,  the 
head  painted  after  the  manner  of  themselves.  They  kept  a  fire 
upon  us  all  day,  during  which  time  a  party  of  them  set  Mr.  Juliean's 
houses  on  fire,  and  in  a  short  time  I  discovered  our  boats  were 
all  in  flames.  I  must  confess  that  at  this  moment  I  felt  some  little 
confusion,  but  no  alternative  was  left  but  the  greatest  exertions  : 
we  had  8  old  gun  barrels  made  into  squirts,  ,and  made  holes 
through  the  tops  of  the  block  houses,  and  in  a  few  minutes  we 
were  able  to  make  them  as  wet  as  if  there  had  fallen  a  shower  of 
rain.  The  little  panic  was  soon  dissipated  and  we  felt  ourselves 
again  secure  ;  but  the  greatest  efforts  were  made  on  the  part  of 
the  Indians  to  consume  us  in  flames.  They  wounded  one  of  our 
men  in  gthe  face  but  not  dangerous.  By  sundown  I  discovered 
Mr.  M'Nabb's  house  on  fire,  which  led  me  to  believe  that  they  in 
tended  to  burn  all.  The  wind  had  fallen.  I  despatched  a  man  in 
the  dark  with  a  stick  of  portfire  and  instruments  to  set  fire  to  the 
factory,  which  was  performed. 

Oii  the  8th,  they  did  not  make  their  appearance  until  9  o'clock 
A.  M.  which  was  in  an  old  stable  that  they  had  fortified  the  pre 
ceding  night,  but  were  soon  dislodged  by  two  cannon  shot. 

They  then  resumed  their  old  station  under  the  banks  and  fired 
upon  us,  while  others  continued  throwing  showers  of  fire  chunks 
and  arrows  prepared  with  suitable  matter  to  take  fire,  but  our 
gun  barrel  squirts  soon  extinguished  them.  This  was  their  last 
and  longest  effort  which  was  continued  until  10  o'clock  at  night. 
We  have  not  seen  one  since,  but  I  fear  a  party  hangs  about  to 
take  the  first  man  that  shows  his  head. 

It  is  incumbent  on  me  to  give  you  a  very  particular  idea  of  our 
situation.  This  garrison  is  in  the  most  ineligible  place  that  ever 
could  have  been  chosen  by  any  man  even  if  he  would  try.  The 
Indians  are  much  better  fortified  than  we.  On  the  south  side  of 
the  river  the  bank  affords  them  a  complete  shelter,  and  would  take  a 


63 

regiment  of  men  a  month  to  make  it  so  that  \ve  could  rake  it. 
On  the  east  it  is  worse  yet.  On  the  west  a  spring  run  affords 
another  bank  which  cannot  be  removed.  On  the  north  a  hill  com 
mands  us  completely,  which  I  know  from  experience,  as  I  could 
not  pass  from  one  block  house  to  the  other  without  being  fired 
upon. 

Indeed,  sir,  the  Indians  have  nothing  more  to  do  than  to  possess 
themselves  of  these  places  and  cut  off  every  man  that  shows  him 
self  outside;  for  we  must  have  wood  in  the  winter  and  cold  season. 
The  fact  is  that  I  will  positively  evacuate  this  post  by  the  \5th 
of  November  next,  if  there  is  no  means  taken  to  render  the 
lives  of  the  men  more  secure.  The  truth  is,  that  it  ought  not  to 
be  occupied  in  a  time  of  war,  since  it  cannot  be  bettered  in  the 
place  where  it  stands  ;  it  ought  to  be  moved  off  this  point  entire 
ly.  I  have  not  a  yoke  of  cattle  to  provide  us  with  a  stick  of  wood, 
and  if  I  had,  I  have  no  forage.  You  now  will  know  my  deter 
mination,  and  I  hope  you  will  endeavour  to  render  me  some  re 
lief. 

I  am,  with  respect  yours,  &c, 

T.  HAMILTON, 
Lieut.  1st  Regt.  Lt.  Infy.  Comg. 
Lieut.  Col.  D.  Bissell. 


CRUISE  OF  THE  SCHOONER  ROSSIE,  October,  1812. 

Extract  from  the  log-book  of  the  Schooner  Rossie,  Commodore 
Barney,  commander. 

July  12th,  sailed  from  Baltimore.  July  1 5th,  left  Cape 
Henry.  July  17th,  spoke  ship  Electra,  of  Philadelphia,  informed 
her  of  the  war.  July  2 1st,  spoke  brig  Triton,  of  Portsmouth, 
informed  her  of  the  war.  Spoke  ship  Rising  Sun,  of  Baltimore, 
informed  her  of  the  war.  July  22d,  seized  brig  Nymph,  of  New- 
buryport,  for  breach  of  the  non-importation  law;  spoke  ship 
Reserve  of  Bath  ;  brig ,  from  Lisbon  to  New-London,  in 
formed  her  of  the  war.  July  23d,  was  chased  by  a  frigate  ;  fired 
25  shot  at  us  ;  outsailed  hen  July  30th,  chased  by  a  frigate  ;  out 
sailed  her.  July  31st,  took  and  burnt  the  ship  Princess -Royal, 
August  1st,  took  and  manned  the  ship  Kitty;  2d,  took  and  burnt 
the  following :  brig  Fame,  brig  Devonshire,  schooner  Squid,  and 
took  the  brig  Brothers — put  on  board  her  60  prisoners,  and  sent 
her  to  St.  Johns,  to  be  exchanged  for  as  many  Americans.  3d, 
took  and  sunk  the  brig  Henry  and  schooner  Race-horse  ;  burnt 
the  schooner  Halifax,  manned  the  brig  William  (arrived)  and 
gave  the  schooner  Two  Brothers  to  40  prisoners,  and  sent  them 
to  St.  Johns,  on  parole.  9th,  took  the  ship  Jeanie,  after  a  short 
action  ;  she  mounting  12  guns;  sent  her  for  the  United  States 
9 


66 

(arrived.)  10th,  seized  the  brig  Rebecca,  of  Saco,  from  London, 
ibr  a  breach  of  the  non -importation  law,  (arrived.)  14th,  spoke 
brig  Hazard,  from  Cadiz,  informed  her  of  the  war.  16th,  spoke 
ship  Hercules,  from  Malta,  informed  her  of  the  war.  17th, 
spoke  brig  Favorite,  from  Cadiz  to  Boston.  20th,  spoke  brig 
John  Adams,  who  had  been  captured  and  plundered  by  the  Guer- 
riere,  and  let  go.  August  25th,  seized  ship  Euphrates,  of  New 
Bedford,  for  breach  of  the  non-importation  law,  (arrived.)  28th, 
spoke  a  brig,  prize  to  the  Benjamin  Franklin,  privateer.  29th, 
spoke  ship  Jewell,  of  Portland,  informed  her  of  the  war.  30th, 
spoke  schooner  Ann  and  Mary,  of  New  London,  informed  her  of 

the  war.  September  7,  spoke  brig ,  from  Providence,  Rhode 

Island,  in  distress  ;  left  her  under  care  of  the  Revenue  Cutter,  of 
Newport.  9th,  chased  by  three  ships  of  war,  a  short  chase. 
10th,  spoke  ship  Joseph,  from  Bonavista,  informed  her  of  the  war. 
1  Oth,  spoke  a  brig,  prize  to  the  schooner  Saratoga,  of  New  York. 
12th,  chased  by  a  frigate  six  hours;  outsailed  her.  16th,  took  his 
Britannic  majesty's  packet  ship  Princess  Amelia,  after  a  severe 
action  of  nearly  an  hour,  at  pistol-shot  distance.  The  captain, 
sailing-master,  and  one  man  was  killed,  the  master's  mate  and 
six  men  wounded.  We  had  Mr.  Long,  first  lieutenant,  severely 
wounded,  and  six  men  (most  of  whom  have  recovered),  the  ship 
cut  to  pieces,  and  the  Rossie  much  injured  in  sails  and  rigging. 
September  Kith,  fell  in  with  three  ships  and  a  brig  armed,  ex 
changed  shot  with  the  commodore,  received  an  18  pound  shot 
through  our  quarter,  wounded  a  man  and  lodged  in  our  pump ; 
continued  to  dog  and  watch  the  above  vessels  4  days,  in  hopes  to 
separate  them,  but  in  vain.  September  23d,  spoke  the  private 
armed  schooner  Globe,  captain  Murphy,  of  Baltimore,  went  in 
pursuit  of  the  above  vessels,  but  could  not  fall  in  with  them. 
25th,  spoke  a  Spanish  brig  bound  to  Porto-Rico.  October  8th, 
took  (in  company  with  the  Globe,)  the  schooner  Jubilee,  and  sent 
her  in.  9th,  spoke  a  Spanish  schooner  from  Palma  to  Porto-Rico. 
10th,  chased  and  spoke  the  privateer  schooner  Rapid,  of  Char 
leston,  S.  C.  52  days  out,  had  taken  nothing.  22d,  seized  the. 
ship  Merimack,  for  breach  of  the  non-importation  act.  Result 
is,  three  thousand  six  hundred  and  ninety -eight  tons  of  shipping, 
and  two  hundred  and  seventeen  prisoners — valued  at  upwards  oi* 
one  million  Jive  hundred  thousand  dollars. 


BLACK  ROCK,  October  9,  1812. 

SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  inform  you  that  on  the  morning  of  the 
8th  instant,  two  British  vessels,  which  I  was  informed  were  his 
Britannic  majesty's  brig  Detroit,  late  the  United  States'  brig- 
Adams,  and  the  brig  Hunter,  mounting  14  guns,  but  which  after 
wards  proved  to  be  the  brig  Caledonia,  both  said  to  be  well  armed 


67 

and  manned,  came  down  the  lake  and  anchored  under  the  pro 
tection  of  fort  Erie.  Having  been  on  the  lines  for  some  time, 
and  in  a  measure  inactively  employed,  I  determined  to  make  an 
attack,  and  if  possible  to  get  possession  of  them.  A  strong  in 
ducement  to  tl)is  attempt  arose  from  a  consideration  that  with 
these  two  vessels  and  to  those  which  I  have  purchased  and  am 
fitting  out,  I  should  be  enabled  to  meet  the  remainder  of  the 
British  force  on  the  Upper  lakes,  and  save  an  incalculable  ex 
pense  and  labour  to  the  government.  On  the  morning  of  their  ar 
rival  I  heard  that  our  seamen  were  but  a  short  distance  from  this 
place,  and  immediately  despatched  an  express  to  the  officers,  di 
recting  them  to  use  all  possible  despatch  in  getting  their  men  to  this 
place,  as  I  had  an  important  service  to  perform.  On  their  arrival, 
which  was  about  12  o'clock,  I  discovered  that  they  had  only  20 
pistols,  and  neither  cutlasses  nor  battle  axes.  But  on  applica 
tion  to  generals  Smvth  and  Hall  of  the  regulars  and  militia,  I 
was  supplied  with  a  few  arms,  and  general  Smyth  was  so  good,  on 
my  request,  as  immediately  to  detach  50  men  from  the  regulars, 
armed  with  muskets. 

By  4  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  I  had  my  men  selected  and  sta 
tioned  in  two  boats,  which  I  had  previously  prepared  for  the  pur 
pose.  With  these  boats,  50  men  in  each,  and  under  circum 
stances  very  disadvantageous,  my  men  having  scarcely  had  time 
to  refresh  themselves  after  a  fatiguing  march  of  500  miles,  I 
put  off  from  the  mouth  of  Buffaloe  creek,  at  1  o'clock  the  fol 
lowing  morning,  and  at  3  I  was  along  side  the  vessels.  In  the 
space  of  about  10  minutes,  I  had  the  prisoners  all  secured,  the 
top-sails  sheeted  home,  and  the  vessels  under  way.  Unfortu 
nately  the  wind  was  not  sufficiently  strong  to  get  me  up  against 
a  rapid  current  into  the  lake,  where  I  had  understood  another 
armed  vessel  lay  at  anchor,  and  I  was  obliged  to  run  down  the 
river,  by  the  forts,  under  a  heavy  tire  of  round,  grape,  and  canis 
ter,  from  a  number  of  pieces  of  heavy  ordnance,  and  several 
pieces  of  flying  artillery,  was  compelled  to  anchor  at  a  distance 
of  about  400  yards  from  two  of  their  batteries.  After  the  dis 
charge  of  the  first  gun,  from  the  flying  artillery,  I  hailed  the 
shore,  and  observed  to  the  officer,  that  if  another  gun  was  fired 
I  would  bring  the  prisoners  on  deck,  and  expose  them  to  the 
same  fate  we  would  all  share;  but  notwithstanding,  they  disre 
garded  the  caution  and  continued  a  constant  and  destructive 
fire.  One  single  moment's  reflection  determined  me  not  to 
commit  an  act  that  would  subject  me  to  the  imputation  of  barba 
rity.  The  Caledonia  had  been  beached,  in  as  safe  a  position  as 
the  circumstances  would  admit  of,  under  one  of  our  batteries  at 
the  Black  Rock.  I  now  brought  all  the  guns  of  the  Detroit  on 
one  side  next  the  enemy,  stationed  the  men  at  them,  and  directed 
a  fire  which  was  continued  as  long  as  our  ammunition  lasted  and 
circumstances  permitted.  During  the  contest  I  endeavoured  to 
get  the  Detroit  on  our  side  by  sending  a  line,  there  being  no 


68 

wind,  on  shore,  with  all  the  line  I  could  muster  ;  but  the  current 
being  so  strong,  the  boat  could  not  reach  the  shore.  I  then  hail 
ed  our  shore,  and  requested  that  warps  should  be  made  fast  on 
land,  and  sent  on  board  :  the  attempt  to  all  which  again  proved 
useless.  As  the  fire  was  such  as  would,  in  all  probability,  sink 
the  vessel  in  a  short  time,  I  determined  to  drift  down  the  river 
out  of  the  reach  of  the  batteries,  and  make  a  stand  against  the 
flying  artillery.  I  accordingly  cut  the  cable,  made  sail  with  very 
light  airs,  and  at  that  instant  discovered  that  the  pilot  had  aban 
doned  me.  I  dropped  astern  for  about  10  minutes,  when  I  was 
brought  up  on  our  shore  on  Squaw  island — got  the  boarding  boat 
ready,  had  the  prisoners  put  in  and  sent  on  shore,  with  directions 
for  the  officer  to  return  for  me  and  what  property  we  could  get 
from  the  brig.  He  did  not  return,  owing  to  the  difficulty  in  the 
boat's  getting  on  shore.  Discovering  a  skift'  under  the  counter,  I 
put  the  four  remaining  prisoners  in  the  boat,  and  with  my  officers 
I  went  on  shore  to  bring  the  boat  off'.  I  asked  for  protection  to 
the  brig  of  lieutenant  colonel  Scott,  who  readily  gave  it.  At  this 
moment  I  discovered  a  boat  with  about  40  soldiers  from  the 
British  side,  making  for  the  brig.  They  got  on  board,  but  were 
soon  compelled  to  abandon  her,  with  the  loss  of  nearly  all  their 
men.  During  the  whole  of  this  morning  both  sides  of  the  river 
kept  up  alternately  a  continual  fire  on  the  brig,  and  so  much 
injured  her  that  it  was  impossible  to  have  floated  her.  Before 
I  left  her,  she  had  several  shot  of  large  size  in  her  bends,  her 
sails  in  ribbons,  and  rigging  all  cut  to  pieces. 

To  my  officers  and  men  I  feel  under  great  obligation.  To 
captain  Towson  and  lieutenant  Roach  of  the  2d  regiment  of  artil 
lery,  ensign  Prestman  of  the  infantry,  captain  Chapin,  Mr.  John 
M'Comb,  Messrs.  John  Town,  Thomas  Dain,  Peter  Overstocks, 
and  James  Sloan,  resident  gentlemen  of  Buftaloe,  for  their  soldier 
and  sailor-like  conduct.  In  a  word,  sir,  every  man  fought  as  if 
with  their  hearts  animated  only  by  the  interest  and  honour  of 
their  country. 

The  prisoners  I  have  turned  over  to  the  military.  The  Detroit 
mounted  6  six  pound  long  guns,  a  commanding  lieutenant  of  ma 
rines,  a  boatswain  and  gunner,  and  56  men — about  30  American 
prisoners  on  board,  muskets,  pistols,  cutlasses,  and  battle-axes. 
In  boarding  her  1  lost  one  man,  one  officer  wounded,  Mr.  John 
G.  Cummings,  acting  midshipman,  a  bayonet  through  the  leg ; 
his  conduct  was  correct,  and  deserves  the  notice  of  the  depart 
ment.  The  Caledonia  mounted  two  small  guns,  blunderbusses, 
pistols,  muskets,  cutlasses,  and  boarding  pikes,  12  men  including 
officers,  10  prisoners  on  board.  The  boat  boarding  her  was  com 
manded  by  sailing  master  George  Watts,  who  performed  his 
duty  in  a  masterly  style.  But  one  man  killed,  and  four  wounded 
bad,  I  am  afraid  mortally.  1  enclose  yau  a  list  of  the  officers 
and  men  engaged  in  the  enterprize,  and  also  a  view  of  the  lake 
and  river  in  the  ditfereat  situations  oi  attack.  In  a  day  or  two 


69 

I  shall  forward  the  names  of  the  prisoners.  The  Caledonia  be 
longs  to  the  N.  W.  company,  loaded  with  furs,  worth  1  under 
stand  g  200,000. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be  yours,  &c. 

JESSE  D.  ELLIOT. 

The  Hon.  Paul  Hamilton, 

Secretary  U.  S.  Navy. 


URBANA,  October  12th,  1812. 

SIR, 

On  receiving  your  orders  of  the  4th  instant  to  proceed  to 
the  Rapids  with  the  whole  force  of  mounted  men  under  my  com 
mand,  whose  horses  were  in  a  condition  to  perform  the  service  ;  1 
caused  an  examination  to  be  immediately  had  ;  and  found  that 
there  still  remained  960  men,  including  officers,  in  a  condition  to 
march,  including  also  captain  Bacon,  and  one  other  company, 
which  left  us  the  morning  following. 

The  beeves  expected  at  general  Winchester's  camp,  did  not 
arrive  so  as  to  enable  us  to  draw,  till  the  morning  of  the  5th. 
A  good  number  of  the  men  were  destitute  of  provision  the  day 
you  left  Defiance.  There  being  no  flower  to  be  issued  to  the 
mounted  men,  I  ordered  that  eight  days  rations  of  beef  should  be 
drawn  and  immediately  jerked,  so  as  to  lighten,  and  prepare  it 
for  the  expedition,  intending  to  move  off  on  the  evening  of  the 
5th.  On  examining  our  ammunition  it  had  been  found  that  dur 
ing  the  excessive  rains  which  fell,  while  you  were  marching  us 
from  St.  Mary's  to  Defiance,  it  had  become  so  damaged  as  to  be 
entirely  useless ;  not  two  rounds  of  sound  cartridges  were  left 
to  a  man.  I  ordered  returns  made,  so  that  each  man  should  be 
furnished  with  12  rounds.  This  return  amounted  to  4500  car 
tridges  for  the  musket  men,  exclusive  of  major  Roper's  battalion  ; 
the  ammunition  of  the  riflemen  having  received  very  little  dam 
age.  Quarter  master  Basey  called  on  the  quarter  master  in 
general  Winchester's  camp  and  returned  without  a  supply. 
About  1  o'clock  this  day,  a  man  belonging  to  Manary's  company  of 
rangers  was  killed  and  scalped  across  the  Miami,  within  two  hun 
dred  yards  of  our  camp.  I  gave  immediate  orders  to  arms,  and 
in  five  minutes  to  horse,  but  owing  to  our  being  compelled  to 
confine  our  horses  during  the  night,  and  graze  them  by  day,  for 
•want  of  forage;  the  greater  part  at  this  moment  were  under 
keepers  nearly  one  mile  from  our  camp  up  the  Auglaise.  Con 
ceiving  from  the  bold  manner  in  which  the  Indians  approached 
our  camp,  that  it  was  possible  a  considerable  body  was  not  dis 
tant,  I  wished  to  form  the  men  and  proceed  over  the  river,  by 
which  we  should  be  in  a  situation  to  contend  with  a  considerable 
force,  or  pursue  to  effect  a  small  one.  In  the  mean  time  I  permit 
ted  major  Brush  to  cross  over  with  about  50  foot  to  examine  the 


70 

bank  and  see  in  what  direction  the  Indians  had  retired  ;  bat  before 
he  reached  the  opposite  shore  every  horseman,  whose  horse  was  in 
camp  was  mounted  to  follow.  It  was  in  vain  I  made  an  attempt 
to  keep  them  back  till  they  were  formed;  they  broke  off  in  num 
bers  from  two  to  thirty,  mostly  without  their  officers,  and  crossed 
the  woods  in  every  direction  :  a  party  of  15  fell  on  the  trail  of  the 
Indians,  and  at  seven  or  eight  miles  distance  overtook  them  ;  but 
as  the  Indians  were  superior  to  them,  and  formed,  our  men  with 
out  waiting  for  a  dischage  from  the  enemy  returned  to  camp. 
Logan,  and  the  other  Indians  in  our  camp,  were  of  the  opinion 
that  there  was  a  considerable  force  of  the  enemy  lying  down  the 
river,  and  offered  to  spy  down.  Early  on  the  following  morning 
they  left  our  camp  with  instructions  to  proceed  four  miles  below 
the  Little  Rapids,  a  distance  of  fourteen  miles.  They  returned 
at  evening,  having  found  no  trail  of  any  size  excepting  the  party 
which  had  been  pursued,  and  those  they  computed  at  about  forty  ; 
that  they  had  proceeded  on  towards  the  waters  of  Lake  Michigan, 
and  not  on  the  direction  to  the  Rapids.  That  the  British  and 
Indians  which  had  fled  before  general  Winchester,  had  retreated 
with  apparent  precipitancy,  drawing  their  carriages  over  large 
logs,  and  tearing  down  every  sapplirig  that  stood  in  their  way. 

Scarcely  had  this  scout  left  our  camp,  when  I  received  the  fol 
lowing  order  from  general  Winchester : 

"CAMP,  NEAR  DEFIANCE,  October  6,  1812. 

SIR, 

Believing  it  to  be'essential  that  the  Indians  who  committed 
the  murder  yesterday  near  your  camp  should  be  pursued  and 
routed,  or  their  strength  and  situation  ascertained,  and  as  that 
duty  can  be  best,  and  most  expeditiously  done  with  mounted 
men,  you  will  this  morning  pursue  their  trail  with  a  part  or  the 
whole  of  your  force,  and  dislodge,  kill,  and  destroy  them  if  in 
your  power.  This  duty  performed,  you  can  take  the  course  di 
rected  by  general  Harrison.  The  attitude  of  the  enemy  requires 
this  change  in  your  destination,  and  as  commander  of  the  north 
western  army,  I  have  deemed  it  my  duty  to  make  it.  If  you  do  not 
return  to  report  you  will  send  an  officer  for  that  purpose. 

J.  WINCHESTER. 

Brig.  Gen.  Comdg.  left  wing  */V.  W.  army 
General  Tupper. 

I  waited  on  general  Winchester  immediately  on  receipt  of 
the  foregoing  order,  informing  him  of  having  previously  sent  out 
a  scout,  and  the  object  of  it :  that  the  Indians  had  the  evening 
before  been  overtaken  seven  or  eight  miles  from  our  camp ;  and 
their  number  computed  at  from  20  to  40  :  that  in  all  probability 
they  had  then  advanced  too  far  to  be  overtaken  without  a  long 
pursuit :  that  our  horses  were  feeble,  and  that  I  wished  to  pre 
serve  as  much  of  their  strength  as  possible  for  the  general  object 


71 

of  the  expedition;  and  that  if  it  was  agreeable  to  him  we  would 
wait  the  return  of  the  scout,  to  take  such  measures  as  were 
deemed  proper  on  their  return.  General  Winchester  made  no 
objections  to  this  arrangement;  at  the  same  time  I  informed  him 
that  we  had  not  three  rounds  of  ammunition  to  a  man,  and  re 
quested  him  to  order  me  a  supply.  He  replied  to  me  that  he 
would  order  his  ammunition  examined,  and  would  endeavour  to 
furnish  me  a  part  of  what  was  required  to  complete  the  12  rounds. 
My  brigade  quarter  master  attended  this  day  and  returned  at 
evening  with  information  that  no  ammunition  could  be  had. 
Early  the  following  morning  I  ordered  the  horses  for  a  march, 
and  repaired  to  general  Winchester's  quarters,  and  again  reques 
ted  a  supply  of  two  thousand  cartridges,  being  about  one -third 
of  the  quantity  required  ;  without  which  I  could  not  feel  myself 
justifiable  in  proceeding  on  the  expedition.  In  answer  he  stated 
to  me,  that  he  had  but  six  thousand  cartridges  not  issued ;  that 
his  men  had  but  very  few  in  their  boxes  ;  that  he  had  a  good  sup 
ply  of  powder  and  ball,  but  no  paper ;  the  latter  was  in  the 
wagons  and  expected  to  arrive  that  or  the  day  following — and 
then  directed  me  to  return  to  my  camp  and  make  report  of  the 
actual  quantity  on  hand,  and  he  would  then  inform  me  whether 
he  would  deliver  the  two  thousand  cartridges.  I  hastened  back 
to  my  camp,  and  gave  the  necessary  orders  for  furnishing  the 
return  ;  but  in  a  few  minutes  after,  received  from  general  Win 
chester  the  following  order : 

General  Tupper.  Longer  delay  inconsistent  with  strict  mili 
tary  principles  cannot  be  indulged ;  you  will  therefore  proceed 
immediately  on  the  reconnoitering  duty  ordered  yesterday  with 
the  troops  under  your  command,  except  colonel  Simral's  corps, 
who  shall  return  without  delay  to  the  settlement,  to  recruit  their 
horses,  agreeably  to  general  Harrison's  orders. 

J.  WINCHESTER, 

Brigadier  General,  (J*c. 

When  colonel  Simral's  company  moved  off,  a  large  proportion 
of  two  companies  of  major  Roper's  battalion  from  Kentucky  fol 
lowed,  which  reduced  that  battalion,  (being  the  whole  force  now  re 
maining  from  Kentucky)  to  less  than  eighty  men.  I  was  indebted  to 
colonel  Simral  for  all  the  cartridges  he  had  exceping  two  rounds-; 
but  as  the  most  of  them  had  been  damaged  and  dried,  they  did 
not  add  one  sound  round  to  each  man.  I  was  on  the  point  of 
taking  up  the  line  of  march  to  execute  general  Winchester's  or 
ders,  when  colonel  Allen,  commanding  a  regiment  of  Kentucky 
troops  in  general  Winchester's  camp,  came  up,  and  informed  me 
he  had  obtained  leave  to  accompany  me  to  the  Rapids  in  any 
station  I  thought  proper  to  place  him,  from  a  soldier  upwards.  I 
thankfully  accepted  his  services  and  caused  him  to  be  announced 
as  an  aid.  Colonel  Allen  proposed,  that  as  it  was  general  Win 
chester's  wish  that  tke  troops  should  move  «n  the  direct  route  to 


72 

the  Rapids,  that  none  should  be  taken  but  such  as  would  go  free 
ly.  The  experiment  was  made,  when  about  400  volunteered  for 
the  service.  Scarcely  had  the  troops  moved  forward  from  the 
ranks,  when  colonel  Allen  beckoned  me  aside  and  shewed  me  an 
order  which  general  Winchester  had  that  moment  forwarded  to 
him,  giving  colonel  Allen  the  command  of  the  men  ordered  for 
the  Rapids.  I  requested  of  colonel  Allen  a  copy  of  this  order, 
which  he  declined  giving.  It  would  be  difficult  for  me  to  describe 
the  state  of  my  feelings  at  this  moment :  I  turned  to  the  troops 
which  had  refused  to  volunteer,  and  ordered  them  across  the 
Auglaise  on  the  route  you  directed  me  to  take,  as  the  best  calcu 
lated  to  carry  your  orders  into  effect.  When  it  was  found  that 
general  Winchester  had  superseded  me  in  the  command,  the 
whole  force  from  Ohio  crossed  the  Auglaise  and  refused  to  march 
as  directed  by  general  Winchester.  Colonel  Allen  and  major 
Brush  returned  to  general  Winchester,  who  assured  them  he  had 
mistook  the  object  of  colonel  Allen's  request.  General  Win 
chester  then  proposed  to  divide  the  force  and  have  a  part  to  move 
on  the  direct  route  to  the  Rapids,  the  other  to  proceed  by  Tawa 
towns,  to  unite  at  a  certain  time  12  miles  above  the  Rapids.  I 
was  unwilling  to  consent  to  this  measure.  The  force  united  was 
not  half  the  number  you  thought  necessary  to  order  on  the  most 
secret  route.  A  division  of  less  than  500  men,  to  meet  in  an  ene 
my's  country,  where  many  circumstances  might  prevent  their 
junction,  was  to  me  a  measure  I  could  only  consent  to  by  com- 
pulson — this  measure  was  in  the  end  abandoned. 

It  is  a  duty  I  owe  to  colonel  Allen,  that  I  have  not  the  smallest 
reason  to  believe,  he  was  privy  to  the  order  of  general  Winches 
ter,  giving  to  him  the  command :  his  character,  and  every  part 
of  his  conduct  on  that  occasion,  convinces  me  he  is  above  it. 

The  whole  force  proceeded  to  Tawa  towns,  where  we  reached 
the  day  following.  Early  on  the  morning  of  the  9th,  I  ordered 
the  march  for  the  Rapids,  when  at  the  distance  of  half  a  mile  it 
was  found  our  whole  force  was  reduced  to  200  men,  exclusive  of 
officers :  the  other  part  of  the  force  had  refused  to  march,  and 
remained  in  the  encampment :  scarcely  a  man  marched  from  the 
second  battalion  of  colonel  Findley's  regiment,  commanded  by 
major  Taylor.  Manary's  company  of  United  States'  rangers,  both 
officers  and  soldiers,  refused  to  march. 

When  it  was  ascertained  that  our  whole  force  for  the  Rapids 
was  reduced  to  200  men,  I  called  a  council  of  the  officers  to 
determine  whether  with  that  force  it  was  advisable  to  proceed 
on  to  the  Rapids. 

The  council  considered  that  our  force  was  not  sufficient  to 
carry  the  first  object  of  your  orders  into  effect;  that  we  were 
too  numerous  to  act  as  a  spy  party,  and  too  weak  to  carry  offen 
sive  operations  into  the  enemy's  country  ;  and  that  it  would  be 
improper  and  unadvisable  under  those  circumstances  to  continue 
tne  expedition. 


73 

With  the  then  remaining  force  I  proceeded  to  this  place,  where 
I  directed  colonel  Findley  and  major  Roper,  to  discharge  such 
men  only  as  had  continued  to  do  their  duty. 

Thus,  sir,  has  terminated  an  expedition,  at  one  time  capable  of 
tearing  the  British  flag  from  the  walls  of  Detroit,  wherein  our 
troops  might  have  returned  with  the  pleasing  reflection  of  having 
rendered  their  country  an  essential  service. 

It  is  a  duty,  sir,  I  owe  to  the  officers  of  the  Kentucky  forces,  to 
colonel  Finifley  and  the  officers  of  his  first  battalion/to  say  that 
they  were  zealous  of  pressing  forward  the  expedition  ;  while  the 
officers  of  the  second  battalion,  commanded  by  major  Taylor, 
with  few  exceptions,  were  shrinking  from  their  duty,  and  shame 
fully  deserting  the  cause  of  their  country. 

The  detaching  of  colonel  Simral'a  regiment  from  our  force 
stands  prominent  among  the  causes  of  our  failure.  Already  was 
there  a  panic  in  some  parts  of  our  camp:  the  enemy  that  had 
retired  at  general  Winchester's  approach  had  been  greatly  mag 
nified.  The  day  succeeding  the  alarm  general  Winchester  drew 
in  one  wing  of  his  lines  and  strengthened  his  camp  with  a  breast 
work.  Even  this  circumstance  was  noticed,  and  urged  as  an 
evidence,  that  he  apprehended  a  force  superior  to  his  own.  Thus, 
when  imaginary  obstacles  unite  with  those  that  are  real,  to  oppose 
the  movement  of  a  force  so  insubordinate,  as  that  every  man's 
will  is  his  law,  little  can  be  expected  to  the  officers,  but  a  plen 
tiful  harvest  of  mortification  and  disgrace. 

It  cannot  be  denied  that  at  the  time  those  men  refused  to 
march,  that  there  was  a  scarcity  of  provisions  in  the  camp ;  not 
three  days  rations  of  meat  to  each  officer  and  soldier  remained, 
and  no  bread  or  flour.  But  we  had  found  at  those  towns,  an 
abundant  supply  of  good  sound  corn,  together  with  nearly  30 
bushels  cured  when  green,  or  tossamonona.  Our  sufferings  with 
this  supply  could  not  have  been  great  in  going  or  returning  from 
the  Rapids. 

The  man  whose  courage  and  patriotism  expires  when  his  ra 
tions  are  reduced,  ought  never  to  place  himself  between  his 
country  and  his  enemies. 

When  you  shall  have  examined  and  considered  the  whole  causes 
of  our  failure,  should  doubts  rest  on  your  mind  whether  some 
part  of  it  does  not  attach  to  my  conduct,  may  I  not  hope,  sir, 
that  you  will  order  a  court  of  enquiry,  that  I  may  have  an  oppor» 
tunity  of  meeting  an  investigation. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be  yours,  &c. 
EDW.  W.  TOPPER, 

Brigadier  General 
Gen.  William  Henry  Harrison. 

10 


74 

HEAD  QUARTERS,  LEWISTOWN,  October  14, 1812. 
SIR, 

As  the  movements  of  the  army  under  my  command,  since  I 
had  last  the  honour  to  address  you  on  the  8th  instant,  have  been 
of  a  very  important  character,  producing  consequences  serious  to 
many  individuals ;  establishing  facts  actually  connected  with  the 
interest  of  the  service  and  the  safety  of  the  army;  and  as  I  stand 
prominently  responsible  for  some  of  these  consequences,  I  beg 
leave  to  explain  to  you,  sir,  and  through  you  to  my  country,  the 
situation  and  circumstances  in  which  I  have  had  to  act,  and  the 
reasons  and  motives  which  governed  me;  and  if  the  result  is  not 
all  that  might  have  been  wished,  it  is  such,  that  when  the  whole 
ground  shall  be  viewed,  I  shall  cheerfully  submit  myself  to  the 
judgment  of  my  country. 

In  my  letter  of  the  8th  instant  I  apprized  you  that  a  crisis  in 
this  campaign  was  rapidly  advancing;  and  that  (to  repeat  the 
same  words)  "  the  blow  must  be  soon  struck,  or  all  the  toil  and  ex 
pense  of  the  campaign  go  for  nothing,  and  worse  than  nothing ; 
for  the  whole  will  be  tinged  with  dishonour." 
'  Under  such  impressions,  I  had  on  the  5th  instant  written  to 
brigadier  general  Smyth,  of  the  United  States'  forces,  requesting 
an  interview  with  him,  major  general  Hall,  and  the  commandants 
of  the  United  States'  regiments,  for  the  purpose  of  conferring 
upon  the  subject  of  future  operations.  1  wrote  major  general 
Hall  to  the  same  purport.  On  the  llth,  I  had  received  no  an 
swer  from  general  Smyth;  but  in  a  note  to  me  on  the  10th,  gen 
eral  Hall  mentioned  that  general.Smyth  had  not  yet  then  agreed 
upon  any  day  for  the  consultation. 

In  the  mean  time,  the  partial  success  of  lieutenant  Elliott,  at 
Black  Rock,  (of  which  however  I  have  received  no  official  in 
formation)  began  to  excite  a  strong  disposition  in  the  troops  to 
act.  This  was  expressed  to  me  through  various  channels  in  the 
shape  of  an  alternative:  that  they  must  have  orders  to  act;  or 
at  all  hazards,  they  would  go  home.  I  forbear  here  commenting 
upon  the  obvious  consequences  to  me,  personally,  of  longer  with 
holding  my  orders  under  such  circumstances. 

I  had  a  conference  with  lieutenant  colonel as  to  the 

possibility  of  getting  some  person  to  pass  over  to  Canada  and 
obtain  correct  information.  On  the  morning  of  the  4th,  he  wrote 
to  me  that  he  had  procured  the  man  who  bore  his  letter  to  go 
over.  Instructions  were  given  him  ;  he  passed  over — obtained 
such  information  as  warranted  an  immediate  attack.  This  was 
confidentially  communicated  to  several  of  my  first  officers,  and 
produced  great  zeal  to  act ;  more  especially  as  it  might  have  a 
controlling  effect  upon  the  movements  at  Detroit,  where  it  was 
supposed  general  Brock  had  gone  with  all  the  force  he  dared 
spare  from  the  Niagara  frontier.  The  best  preparations  in  my 
power  were,  therefore,  made  to  dislodge  the  enemy  from  the 
°ig;hts  of  Queenstown,  and  possess  ourselves  of  the  village,  where 


75 

the  troops  might  be  sheltered  from  the  distressing  inclemency  of 
the  weather. 

Lieutenant  colonel  Fenwick's  flying  artillery,  and  a  detach 
ment  of  regular  troops  under  his  command,  were  ordered  to  be 
up  in  season  from  Fort  Niagara.  Orders  were  also  sent  to  gen 
eral  Smyth  to  send  :down  from  Buflfaloe,  such  detachment  of  his 
brigade  as  existing  circumstances  in  that  vicinity  might  warrant. 
The  attack  was  to  have  been  made  at  4  o'clock  in  the  morning  of 
the  llth,  by  crossing  over  in  boats  at  the  Old  Ferry  opposite  the 
heights.  To  avoid  any  embarrassment  in  crossing  the  river,  (which 
is  here  a  sheet  of  violent  eddies)  experienced  boatmen  were  pro 
cured  to  take  the  boats  from  the  landing  below  to  the  place  of 
embarkation.  Lieutenant  Sim  was  considered  the  man  of  great 
est  skill  for  this  service.  He  went  ahead,  and  in  the  extreme 
darkness,  passed  the  intended  place  far  up  the  river;  and  there 
in  a  most  extraordinary  manner,  fastened  his  boat  to  the  shore, 
and  abandoned  the  detachment.  In  this  front  boat  he  had 
carried  nearly  every  oar  which  was  prepared  for  all  the  boats. 
In  this  agonizing  dilemma,  stood  officers  and  men,  whose  ardor 
had  not  been  cooled  by  exposure  through  the  nig;ht  to  one  of  the 
most  tremendous  north-east  storms,  which  continued,  unabated, 
for  twenty-eight  hours,  and  deluged  the  whole  camp.  The  ap 
proach  of  day-light  extinguished  every  prospect  of  success,  and 
the  detachment  returned  to  camp.  Colonel  Van  Rensselaer 
was  to  have  commanded  the  detachment. 

After  this  result,  I  had  hoped  the  patience  of  the  troops  would 
have  continued  until  I  could  submit  the  plan  suggested  in  my 
letter  of  the  8th,  that  I  might  act  under,  and  in  conformity  to,  the 
opinion  which  might  be  then  expressed.  But  my  hope  was  idle: 
the  previously  excited  ardor  seemed  to  have  gained  new  heat 
from  the  late  miscarriage  :  the  brave  were  mortified  to  stop  short 
of  their  object,  and  the  timid  thought  laurels  half  won  by  an 
attempt. 

On  the  morning  of  the  12th,  such  was  the  pressure  upon  me 
from  all  quarters,  that  I  became  satisfied  that  my  refusal  to  act 
might  involve  me  in  suspicion,  and  the  service  in  disgrace. 

Viewing  affairs  atBuffaloe  as  yet  unsettled,  I  had  immediately 
countermanded  the  march  of  general  Smyth's  brigade,  upon  the 
failure  of  the  first  expedition ;  but  having  now  determined  to 
attack  Queenstown,  I  sent  new  orders  to  general  Smyth  to  march ; 
not  with  the  view  of  his  aid  in  the  attack,  for  I  considered  the 
force  detached  sufficient,  but  to  support  the  detachment  should 
the  conflict  be  obstinate  and  long  continued. 

Lieutenant  colonel  Chrystie,  who  had  just  arrived  at  the  Four 
Mile  Creek,  had  late  in  the  night  of  the  first  contemplated  attack, 
gallantly  ottered  me  his  own  and  his  men's  service ;  but  he  got 
my  permission  too  late.  He  now  again  came  forward,  had  a 
conference  with  colonel  Van  Rensselaer,  and  begged  that  he 
might  have  the  honour  of  a  command  in  the  expedition.  The 


76 

arrangement  was  made.  Colonel  Van  Rensselaer  was  to  com 
mand  one  column,  300  militia;  and  lieutenant  colonel  Chrystie 
a  column  of  the  same  number  of  regular  troops. 

Every  precaution  was  now  adopted  as  to  boats,  and  the  most 
confidential  and  experienced  men  to  manage  them.  At.  an  early 
hour  in  the  night,  lieutenant  colonel  Chrystie  inarched  his  de 
tachment,  by  the  rear  road,  from  Niagara,  to  camp.  At  7  in 
the  evening  lieutenant  colonel  Stranahan's  regiment  moved 
from  Niagara  Falls;  at  8  o'clock  Mead's;  and  at  9,  lieutenant 
colonel  Blain's  regiment  marched  from  the  same  place.  All 
were  in  camp  in  good  season.  Agreeably  to  my  orders  issued 
upon  this  occasion,  the  two  columns  were  to  pass  over  together  ; 
and  soon  as  the  heights  should  be  carried,  lieutenant  colonel 
Fenwick's  flying  artillery  was  to  pass  over  ;  then  major  Mulla- 
ny's  detachment  of  regulars,  and  other  troops  to  follow  in  order. 

At  dawn  of  day  the  boats  were  in  readiness,  and  the  troops 
commenced  embarking,  under  the  cover  of  a  commanding  battery, 
mounting  2  eighteen  pounders  and  2  sixes.  The  movements 
were  soon  discovered,  and  a  brisk  fire  of  musketry  was  poured 
from  the  whole  line  of  the  Canada  shore.  Our  battery  then 
opened  to  sweep  the  shore  ;  but  it  was,  for  some  minutes,  too 
dark  to  direct  much  fire  with  safety.  A  brisk  cannonade  was 
now  opened  upon  the  boats  from  three  different  batteries.  Our 
battery  returned  their  fire,  and  occasionally  threw  grape  upon 
the  shore,  and  was  itself  served  with  shells  from  a  small  mortar 
of  the  enemy's.  Colonel  Scott,  of  the  artillery,  by  hastening 
his  march  from  Niagara  Falls  in  the  night,  arrived  in  season 
to  return  the  enemy's  fire  with  2  six  pounders. 

The  boats  were  somewhat  embarrassed  with  the  eddies,  as 
well  as  with  a  shower  of  shot :  but  colonel  Van  Rensselaer,  with 
about  100  men,  soon  effected  his  landing  amidst  a  tremendous 
fire  directed  upon  him  from  every  point:  but  to  the  astonishment 
of  all  who  witnessed  the  scene,  this  van  of  the  column  advanced 
slowly  against  the  fire.  It  was  a  serious  misfortune  to  the  van, 
and  indeed  to  the  whole  expedition,  that  in  a  few  minutes  after 
landing,  colonel  Van  Rensselaer  received  four  wounds.  A  ball 
passed  through  his  right  thigh,  entering  just  below  the  hip  bone  ; 
another  shot  passed  through  the  same  thigh,  a  little  below;  the 
third  through  the  calf  of  his  leg  ;  and  a  fourth  contused  his  heel. 
This  was  quite  a  crisis  in  the  expedition.  Under  so  severe  a 
fire  it  was  difficult  to  form  raw  troops.  By  some  mismanagement 
of  the  boatmen,  lieutenant  colonel  Chrystie  did  not  arrive  until 
some  time  after  this,  and  was  wounded  in  the  hand  in  passing  the 
river.  Colonel  Van  Rensselaer  was  still  able  to  stand ;  and  with 
great  presence  of  mind  ordered  his  officers  to  proceed  with  ra 
pidity  and  storm  the  fort.  This  service  was  gallantly  performed, 
and  the  enemy  driven  down  the  hill  in  every  direction.  Soon 
after  this  both  parties  were  considerably  reinforced,  and  the 
conflict  was  renewed  in  several  places ;  many  of  the  enemy 


77 

took  shelter  behind  a  stone  guard-house,  where  a  piece  of  ord 
nance  was  now  briskly  served.  I  ordered  the  fire  of  our  battery 
directed  upon  the  guard-house  ;  and  it  was  so  effectually  done, 
that  with  eight  or  ten  shot  the  fire  was  silenced.  The  enemy 
then  retreated  behind  a  large  store-house  ;  but  in  a  short  time 
the  route  became  general,  and  the  enemy's  fire  was  silenced  ex 
cept  from  a  one  gun  battery,  so  far  down  the  river  as  to  be  out  of 
the  reach  of  our  heavy  ordnance,  and  our  light  pieces  could  not 
silence  it.  A  number  of  boats  now  passed  over  unannoyed,  except 
from  the  one  unsilenced  gun.  For  some  time  after  I  had  passed 
over,  the  victory  seemed  complete ;  but  in  the  expectation  of 
further  attacks,  I  was  taking  measures  for  fortifying  my  camp 
immediately — the  direction  of  this  service  I  committed  to  lieu 
tenant  Totten  of  the  engineers.  But  very  soon  the  enemy  was 
reinforced  by  a  detachment  of  several  hundred  Indians  from 
Chippawa — they  commenced  a  furious  attack,  but  were  promptly 
met  and  routed  by  the  rifle  and  bayonet.  By  this  time  I  per 
ceived  my  troops  were  embarking  very  slowly.  I  passed  imme 
diately  over  to  accelerate  their  movements  ;  but  to  my  utter  as 
tonishment,  I  found  at  the  very  moment  when*  complete  victory 
was  in  our  hands,  the  ardor  of  the  unengaged  troops  had  entirely 
Subsided.  I  rode  in  all  directions — urged  men  by  every  consi 
deration  to  pass  over,  but  in  vain.  Lieutenant  colonel  Bloom 
who  had  been  wounded  in  action,  returned,  mounted  his  horse 
and  rode  through  the  camp ;  as  did  also  judge  Peck,  who  hap 
pened  to  be  here,  exhorting  the  companies  to  proceed,  but  all  in 
vain. 

At  this  time  a  large  reinforcement  from  Fort  George,  were 
discovered  coming  up  the  river.  As  the  battery  on  the  hill  was 
considered  an  important  check  against  their  ascending  the 
heights,  measures  were  immediately  taken  to  send  them  a  fresh 
supply  of  ammunition,  as  I  had  learnt  there  was  left  only  20 
shot  for  the  18  pounders.  The  reinforcement,  however,  obliqued 
to  the  right  from  the  road,  and  formed  a  junction  with  the  Indians 
in  the  rear  of  the  heights.  Finding  to  my  infinite  mortification, 
that  no  reinforcement  would  pass  over ;  "seeing  that  another  se 
vere  conflict  must  soon  commence;  and  knowing  that  the  brave 
men  on  the  heights  were  quite  exhausted  and  nearly  out  of  am 
munition,  all  1  could  do  was  to  send  them  a  fresh  supply  of 
cartridges.  At  this  critical  moment  I  despatched  a  note  to  gen 
eral  Wadsworth,  acquainting  him  with  our  situation — leaving  the 
course  to  be  pursued  much  to  his  own  judgment,  with  assurance, 
that  if  he  thought  best  to  retreat,  I  would  endeavour  to  send  as 
many  boats  as  I  could  command,  and  cover  his  retreat,  by  every 
fire  I  could  safely  make.  But  the  boats  were  dispersed — many 
of  the  boatmen  had  fled,  panic  struck,  and  but  few  got  off.  But 
my  note  could  but  have  little  more  than  have  reached  general 
Wadsworth,  about  4  o'clock,  when  a  most  severe  and  obstinate, 
conflict  commenced  and  continued  about  half  an  hour,  with  a  tr.e 


78 

mendous  fire  of  cannon,  flying  artillery  and  musketry.  The 
enemy  succeeded  in  repossessing  their  battery ;  and  gaining 
advantage  on  every  side,  the  brave  men  who  had  gained  the  vic 
tory,  exhausted  of  strength  and  ammunition,  and  grieved  at  the 
unpardonable  neglect  of  their  fellow-soldiers,  gave  up  the  con 
flict. 

I  can  only  add,  that  the  victory  was  really  won ;  but  lost  for 
the  want  of  a  small  reinforcement.  One-third  part  of  the  idle 
men  might  have  saved  all. 

I  have  been  so  pressed  with  the  various  duties  of  burying  the 
dead,  providing  for  the  wounded,  collecting;  the  public  property, 
negotiating  an  exchange  of  prisoners,  and  all  the  concerns  conse 
quent  of  such  a  battle,  that  I  have  not  been  able  to  forward  this 
despatch  at  as  early  an  hour  as  I  could  have  wished.  I  shall 
soon  forward  you  another  despatch,  in  which  I  shall  endeavour 
to  point  out  to  you  the  conduct  of  some  most  gallant  and  de 
serving  officers.  But  T  cannot  in  justice  close  this  without  ex 
pressing  the  very  great  obligation  I  am  under  to  brigadier  gene 
ral  Wadsworth,  colonel  Van  Rensselaer,  colonel  Scott,  lieutenant 
colonels  Chrystie  and  Fenwick,  and  captain  Gibson.  Many 
others  have  also  behaved  most  gallantly.  As  I  have  reason  to 
believe  that  many  of  our  troops  fled  to  the  woods,  with  the  hope 
of  crossing  the  river,  I  have  not  been  able  to  learn  the  probable 
number  of  killed,  wounded  and  prisoners.  The  slaughter  of  our 
troops  must  have  been  very  considerable.  And  the  enemy  have 
suffered  severely. 

General  Brock  is  among  their  slain,  and  his  aid-de-camp  mor 
tally  wounded. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be  yours,  &c. 

STN.  VAN  RENSSELAER,  Maj.  Gen. 
Major  general  Dearborn. 


EXPEDITION  AGAINST  THE  FLORIDA  INDIANS. 

NEW-HOPE,  ST.  JOHN'S,  October  19th,  1812. 

DEAR  SIR, 

I  have  now  the  honour  of  transmitting  to  your  excellency, 
an  account  of  the  several  engagements  which  have  taken  place, 
between  the  Lotchaway  and  Alligator  Indians,  and  the  detach 
ment  of  Georgia  volunteers,  under  my  command.  As  the  object 
of  this  expedition,  and  the  views  of  the  persons  engaged  in  it, 
have  been  misconstrued,  and  mis-statements,  relative  to  its  pro 
traction,  circulated,  I  ask  the  indulgence  of  your  excellency,  to 
detail  every  transaction,  from  its  commencement  to  its  termina 
tion.  I  arrived  upon  St.  John's,  in  obedience  to  your  orders, 
about  the  15th  of  August,  with  the  whole  of  my  detachment, 
consisting  of  about  250  men  including  officers,  and  with  a  few  on 


the  sick  report.  I  immediately  waited  on  colonel  Smith,  before 
Augustine,  and  received  orders  dated  21st  of  August,  to  proceed 
immediately  against  the  hostile  Indians,  within  the  province  of 
East  Florida,  and  destroy  their  towns,  provisions,  and  settle 
ments.  I  then  returned  to  the  detachment  upon  the  St.  John's, 
and  made  every  preparation  to  comply  with  my  orders,  by  dis 
patching  parties  to  procure  horses,  from  the  few  inhabitants  that 
had  not  fled  from  the  province,  in  preparing  packs  and  provisions, 
and  taking  every  step  which  I  deemed  necessary,  to  ensure  suc 
cess  to  the  enterprize.  In  consequence  of  the  sickness  of  my 
self,  and  nearly  one  half  the  detachment,  the  period  of  our 
inarching  was  delayed  until  the  24th  of  September;  and,  when 
just  upon  the  eve  of  departing,  an  express  arrived  from  colonel 
Smith,  informing  me,  that  his  provision  wagons  and  the  escort 
were  attacked  by  a  body  of  negroes  and  Indians,  and  ordering 
me  to  join  him  immediately,  with  90  men,  and  bring  all  the 
horses  and  carriages  I  could  command,  for  the  removal  of  his 
baggage,  field  pieces,  and  sick ;  he  having  only  70  men  fit  for 
duty.  I  marched  to  the  relief  of  the  colonel,  with  ISO  men  and 
25  horses,  and  assisted  him  in  removing  to  the  block -house,  upon 
Davis's  creek.  This  service  delayed,  for  a  few  days,  our  expe 
dition  to  the  nation ;  and  when  the  detachment  again  assembled 
upon  the  St.  John's  arid  were  about  to  commence  their  march,  the 
men  had  but  six  or  seven  days  to  serve.  About  this  time,  I  re 
ceived  a  letter  from  colonel  Smith,  advising  me  to  propose  to  the 
detachment,  an  extension  of  their  service  for  15  or  20  days 
longer,  as  the  time  for  which  they  were  engaged  was  deemed  in 
sufficient  to  accomplish  any  object  of  the  expedition.  This  mea 
sure  I  had  contemplated,  and  its  sanction  by  the  colonel,  met  with 
my  most  hearty  approbation  ;  for  I  was  unwilling  to  proceed  to  an 
enemy's  country,  with  a  single  man  who  would  declare,  that  in 
any  event,  he  would  not  serve  a  day  longer  than  the  time  for 
which  he  had  originally  volunteered. 

I  accordingly  assembled  the  detachment,  and,  after  stating  the 
necessity  of  a  tender  of  further  service,  proposed  that  the  men 
should  volunteer  for  three  weeks  longer — when  84  men,  includ 
ing  officers,  stepped  out,  and  were  enrolled,  which,  with  the  ad 
dition  of  23  volunteer  militia,  sent  to  my  aid,  by  colonel  Smith, 
and  9  patriots,  under  the  command  of  captain  Cone,  made  my 
whole  force  amount  to  117.  With  this  small  body,  provided  with 
4  days  provisions,  and  12  horses,  I  was  determined  to  proceed  to 
the  nation,  and  give  those  merciless  savages,  at  least,  one  battle ; 
and  I  was  emboldened  in  this  determination,  by  the  strong  expec 
tation  of  being  succoured  by  a  body  of  cavalry  from  St.  Mary's ; 
and  which,  it  has  since  appeared,  did  assemble  at  Colerain,  but 
proceeded  no  further.  On  the  evening  of  the  24th  of  September, 
we  left  the  St.  John's,  marching  in  Indian  file ;  Captain  Hum 
phrey's  company  of  riflemen  in  front,  Captain  Fort's  company,  un 
der  the  commaml  of  lieutenant  Fannin,  in  the  centre,  and  captain 


80 

Coleman's  company,  with  Cone's  detachment,  under  the  command 
of  lieutenant  Broadnax,  in  the  rear.     A  small  party  marched  in 
front  of  the  main  body,  and  another  in  the  rear.     The  openness 
of  the  ground   (except  in  particular  places)  rendered  it  unne 
cessary  to  employ  men  upon  the  right  and  left.     Our  encamp 
ments,  at  night,  (there  being  three  companies)  were  in  the  form 
of  a  triangle,  with  the  baggage  in  the  centre ;  the  men,  with  their 
clothes  on,  lying  with  their  feet  pointing  outwards,  and  their  fire 
locks  in  their  arms.     Incase  of  an  attack,  the  officers  were  in 
structed  to  bring  up  their  companies,  upon  the  right  and  left  of 
the  company  fronting  the  enemy,  and  attend  to  the  Indian  mode 
of  fighting,  until  ordered  to  charge.     In  case  of  meeting  the  ene 
my  upon  our  march,  Humphrey's  company  was  instructed  to  file 
off  to  the  right;  Fort's  company  to  advance,  and  form  to  the 
front,  in  single  rank ;   and  Coleman's  company  to  file  off  to  the 
left :  the  whole,  then,  to  advance,  in  the  form  of  a  crescent,  and 
endeavour  to  encircle  the  enemy.     On  the  morning  of  the  4th 
day  of  our  march,  when  we  were  within  6  or  7  miles   of  the 
Lotchaway  towns,  our  advanced  party  discovered  a  body  of  In 
dians,  marching  along  the  path,  meeting  us,  and,  at  the  same  mo 
ment,  they  appeared  to  have  discovered  us.     As  soon  as  I  was 
informed  of  it,  I  lost  no  time  in  giving  the  necessary  directions 
for  the  companies  to  advance,  and  obey  the  instructions  which  had 
been   previously   given  to  them,    and  which  appeared    exactly 
suited  to  the  situation  in  which  we  found  the  enemy.     As  soon 
as  Fort's  company  (at  the  head  of  which  I  had  placed  myself)  had 
advanced  to  its  proper  ground,  I  discovered  the   Indians  falling 
back,  and  making  every  preparation  for  battle,  by  unslinging  their 
packs,  priming  their  rifles,  and  each  man  taking  his  tree.     We 
continued  to  advance,  taking  advantage  of  the  trees  in  our  pro 
gress,  until  we  were  within  130  yards  of  the  Indians,  when  many 
of  them  fired,  arid  I  instantly  ordered  the  charge,  which  drove  them 
from  behind  the  trees,  and  caused  them  to  retire  with  the  great 
est  precipitation,  our  men,  all  the  while,  firing  at  them,  slew  se 
veral  ;  and,  by  repeated  charges,  drove  them  half  a  mile,  when 
they  took  shelter  in  the  swamp.     It  unfortunately  happened,  (I 
presume  through  mad  vertance)  that  Humphrey's  company  in  filing 
to  the  right,  took  too  great  a  circuit,  got  a  small  swamp  between 
them  and  the  enemy,  and  thereby  rendered  the  victory  less  deci 
sive  than  it  would  hare  been,  had  the  whole  charged  together, 
and  before  the  Indians  had  dispersed  themselves,  and  extended 
their  force  (which  they  soon  did)  near  half  a  mile  up  and  down 
the    swamp.     The  company  however  was  of  service  afterwards, 
in  preventing  the  enemy  after  their  dispersion  from  entering  our 
camp,  retaking  their  baggage  and  provision  (all  of  which  fell  into 
our  hands)  or  falling  upon  the  wounded  that  had  been  sent  to  the 
rear.     The  action,  including  the  skirmishing  upon  the  flanks, 
lasted  two  hours  and  a  half — the  Indians  frequently  attempting 
to  outflank  us,  and  get  in  our  rear,  but  were  repulsed  by  the  com- 


81 

panics  extending  on  our  right  and  left.  We  had  1  man  killed, 
and  9  wounded ;  2  of  which  have  since  died  of  their  wounds. 
The  loss  of  the  enemy  must  have  been  considerable  ;  I  saw  7  fall 
to  the  ground  with  my  own  eye,  among  whom  was  their  king, 
Payne  :  two  of  them  fell  near  the  swamp,  the  rest  our  men  had  the 
curiosity  to  scalp.  The  rifle  company  on  the  right,  and  Broad- 
nax's  on  the  left,  speak  of  killing  several  near  the  swamp,  who 
were  borne  off  by  their  comrades ;  it  being  a  principle  among 
the  savages,  to  carry  off  their  dead  at  the  risk  of  their  lives.  We 
remained  on  the  battle  ground  watching  the  movements  of  the 
Indians,  who  were  near  the  swamp  painting  themselves,  and  ap 
peared  to  be  in  consultation ;  all  of  which  indicated  an  intention  to 
renew  the  combat.  Accordingly,  halt  an  hour  before  sun  set,  having 
obtained  a  considerable  reinforcement  of  negroes  and  Indians, 
from  their  towns,  they  commenced  the  most  horrid  yells  imagin 
able,  imitating  the  cries  and  noise  of  almost  every  animal  of  the 
forest :  their  chiefs  advancing  in  front,  in  a  stooping,  serpentine 
manner,  and  making  the  most  wild  and  frantic  gestures,  until 
they  approached  within  200  yards  of  us,  when  they  halted,  and 
commenced  tiring.  Our  men  were  not  to  be  alarmed  by  their 
noise  and  yells  ;  but,  as  instructed,  remained  perfectly  still  and 
steady  behind  logs  and  trees,  until  the  enemy,  by  this  forbear 
ance,  had  approached  somewhat  nearer,  when  a  brisk  and  well 
directed  fire  from  our  line,  soon  drove  them  back  to  their  origi 
nal  ground.  1  would  now  have  ordered  the  charge ;  but,  being 
under  the  necessity,  from  the  extension  of  the  enemy's  line,  of 
detaching  nearly  one  half  of  my  force  to  protect  our  camp  and 
wounded,  (the  assailing  of  which,  is  a  great  object  with  Indians,) 
I  was  left  to  contend  with  a  force  three  times  as  numerous  as  my 
own.  The  action  lasted  until  8  o'clock,  when  the  enemy  were 
completely  repulsed  in  every  attempt,  whether  made  upon  our 
centre  or  flanks.  We  had  two  men  killed,  and  one  wounded ; 
the  enemy  carried  off  several  of  their  men  before  it  was  dark  ; 
after  which,  all  firing  (of  course  at  random)  was  at  the  spot 
from  whence  the  flash  arose.  After  fighting  and  fasting  the 
whole  day,  we  had  to  work  through  the  night ;  and  at  day-light, 
had  a  tolerable  breast-work  of  logs  and  earth,  with  port  holes, 
on  the  ground  on  which  the  battle  was  fought :  we  were  reduced 
to  this  necessity;  for,  in  despatching  captain  Whitaker  about 
dark,  to  St.  John's  for  a  reinforcement,  six  more  men  took  tha 
liberty  to  accompany  him,  taking  with  them  our  best  horses  :  our 
pilot  and  surgeon,  (who  was  sick,)  was  among  the  number.  The 
two  days  succeeding  the  battle,  we  neither  saw  nor  heard  any 
thing  of  the  enemy ;  but,  on  the  evening  of  the  third  day,  the/ 
commenced  firing  on  our  work,  at  a  long  distance,  and  renewed 
it  every  day,  for  5  or  6  days,  but  without  killing  or  wounding 
any  of  our  men.  After  killing  two  or  three  of  them,  through 
our  port  holes,  they  seldom  came  within  gu  <  shot.  Seven  or 
eight  days  had  now  elapsed,  since  our  express  had  left  us ;  nun.' 
11 


8J3 

ger  was  staring  us  in  the  face,  and  we  were  reduced  to  the  ne 
cessity  of  eating  one  of  our  horses ;  we  had  no  surgeon  to  dress 
the  wounded,  and  apprehensions  were  entertained,  that  the  ene 
my  would  receive  reinforcements  from  Augustine,  or  the  Ma- 
kasukie  Indians.  Expecting  relief  every  hour,  I  was  unwilling 
to  leave  our  breast-work,  while  we  had  a  horse  left  to  eat ;  but  I 
understood,  from  some  of  my  officers,  that  a  certain  captain  was 
determined  to  leave  us,  with  his  company  ;  and  that  many  of  the 
men,  giving  up  all  hopes  of  relief,  talked  of  deserting  in  the  night* 
rather  than  perish,  or  fall  a  sacrifice  to  the  merciless  negroes  and 
Indians,  whom  they  were  taught  to  believe  would  surround  us  in 
great  numbers  in  a  few  days.  In  this  trying  situation,  when  our 
few  remaining  horses  were  shot  down  by  them,  and  the  number 
of  our  sick  daily  increasing,  I  reluctantly  assented  to  leave  our 
works  that  night,  and  directed  the  litters  to  be  prepared,  to  carry 
the  wounded.  About  9  o'clock  we  commenced  our  distressing 
march,  carrying  5  wounded  men  in  litters,  and  supporting  two  or 
three  more.  We  had  not  proceeded  more  than  eight  miles,  when 
the  men  became  perfectly  exhausted  from  hunger  and  fatigue, 
and  were  unable  to  carry  the  wounded  any  farther.  About  two 
hours  after  we  left  our  breast-works,  25  horsemen,  with  provi 
sions,  arrived  to  our  relief,  on  a  different  road  from  the  one  we 
had  taken  ;  but,  from  motives  best  known  to  themselves,  instead 
of  following  us,  returned  to  St.  John's,  and  we  were  left  to  en 
counter  new  difficulties  ;  two  men  that  I  had  despatched  on  the 
path  the  horsemen  came,  by  some  means  or  other  missing  them. 
We  again  constructed  a  plan  of  defence,  and  1  despatched  ser 
geant-major  Reese,  with  one  private,  to  Picolata,  to  learn  what 
had  occasioned  the  delay  of  our  expected  supplies ;  and  told 
him  I  should  remain  where  I  was,  until  I  could  hear  from  him, 
and  endeavoured  to  procure  cattle,  as  I  discovered  signs  of  their 
being  near  us.  The  evil  genius  of  captain ,  again  pre 
vailed  ;  and  I  have  since  learned  from  captain  Cone,  that  this 
person  instigated  riot  only  him,  but  many  of  the  privates,  to  urge 
a  departure  from  our  works,  even  in  the  day  time,  when  I  was 
convinced  that  the  Indians,  knowing;  our  weak  situation,  would 
endeavour  to  ambuscade.  This  gentleman,  if  innocent,  will  have 
an  opportunity  of  proving  himself  so  before  a  court  martial. 

With  a  burning  fever  on  me,  and  scarcely  able  to  walk,  the 
march  was  ordered  about  3  o'clock,  P.  M.  I  had  directed  the 
adjutant,  captain  Harden,  to  inarch  in  front,  to  avoid  all  places 
where  there  could  be  an  ambuscade,  and  the  litters  should  be  dis 
tributed  among  the  different  companies.  Being  extremely  weak, 

I  marched  in  the  rear,  with  captain ,  (who  carried  my 

firelock,)  lieutenant  Fannin,  and  about  15  or  20  privates.  We 
had  scarcely  marched  five  miles,  before  the  front  of  the  detach 
ment  discovered  the  heads  of  several  Indians,  on  both  sides  of 
the  path,  from  among  several  pine  trees  that  were  laid  prostrate 
by  the  hurricane ;  the  same  instant,  the  enemy  fired  upon  our 


S3 

advanced  party,  and  shot  down  four  of  them ;  one,  a  Spaniard, 
died  on  the  spot,  and  two  survived  a  few  days;  my  negro  boy 
was  one  of  them.  The  moment  I  heard  the  firing,  I  ordered  the 
detachment  to  charge,  and  the  Indians  were  completely  defeated, 
in  15  minutes  ;  many  of  them  dropping  their  guns,  and  the  whole 
running  off,  without  ever  attempting  to  rally ;  four  were  left  dead 
on  the  field  ;  and  I  am  convinced,  from  the  constant  fire  we  kept 
up,  that  many  more  must  have  been  slain,  but  were  hid  from  our 
view,  by  the  thick  palmetto  bushes.  We  lay  on  the  battle  ground 
all  night,  and  started  next  day  at  1 0  o'clock — marched  five  miles, 
and  again  threw  up  breast- works,  between  two  ponds,  living  upon 
gophers,  alligators,  and  palmetto  stocks,  until  sergeant-major 
Reese  arrived  with  provisions,  and  14  horses,  when  we  were  en 
abled  to  proceed  to  St.  John's  with  all  our  sick  and  wounded, 
where  a  gun-boat,  by  the  direction  of  colonel  Smith,  was  in 
waiting  for  us,  which  conveyed  us  to  his  camp,  where  we  met  with 
every  attention  that  humanity  or  benevolence  could  bestow. 

I  cannot  refrain  from  here  expressing  the  high  sense  I  have  of 
the  care  and  anxiety  which  colonel  Smith  has  manifested  for  the 
detachment  under  my  command,  and  his  promptitude  in  afford 
ing  every  aid  in  his  power,  when  apprized  of  our  situation.  My 
pen  can  scarcely  do  justice  to  the  merits  of  the  brave  officers 
and  men  under  my  command,  their  fortitude  under  all  their  pri 
vations  and  distresses  never  forsaking  them.  Captain  Hamilton 
(who  volunteered  as  a  private,  his  company  having  left  him  at  the 
expiration  of  their  time)  lieutenant  Fannin,  ensign  Hamilton  and 
adjutant  Harden  distinguished  themselves  in  a  particular  man 
ner,  being  always  among  the  first  to  charge,  and  first  in  pursuit ; 
sergeants  Holt  and  Attaway  likewise  acted  very  bravely,  and 
Fort's  company  in  general  (being  always  near  me  and  under  my 
immediate  view)  advanced  to  the  charge  with  the  steadiness  of 
veterans.  Lieutenant  Broadnax  showed  a  great  deal  of  courage 
and  presence  of  mind,  and  ensign  Mann,  who  was  wounded  m 
the  first  action,  fought  well.  Captain  Cone,  who  was  wounded  in 
the  head  early  in  the  action,  behaved  well,  and  lieutenant  Wil 
liams  did  himself  great  honour  in  every  action,  but  particularly 
in  the  bold  and  manly  stand  he  made  in  the  night  engagement. 
Sergeant  Hawkins  and  corporal  Neil,  of  Coleman's  company, 
acted  like  soldiers,  and  sergeant-major  Reese's  activity  was 
only  surpassed  by  his  courage;  he  was  every  where  and  always 
brave.  Captain  Humphrey's  company  acted  bravelv,  particu 
larly  lieutenant  Reed,  sergeant  Fields,  sergeant  Cowan,  sergeant 
Denmark,  and  many  of  the  privates.  I  can  only  speak  of  cap 
tain  Humphreys  from  the  report  of  some  of  his  men,  who  say 
he  acted  well ;  it  so  happening  he  never  met  my  eye  during 
cither  of  the  engagements,  while  the  conduct  of  every  other 
person  that  I  have  named  (except  one  or  two)  came  under  my 
personal  observation. 


84 

The  number  of  Indians,  in  the  first  engagement,  from  every 
circumstance  that  appeared,  must  have  been  from  75  to  100.  In 
the  second  engagement,  their  number,  including  negroes  (who  are 
their  best  soldiers)  was  double  our's ;  and,  in  the  third  engage 
ment,  there  appeared  to  be  50,  which  was  nearly  equal  to  our 
force,  after  deducting  the  sick  and  wounded.  From  every  cir 
cumstance  I  am  induced  to  believe  that  the  number  of  killed  and 
wounded  among  the  Indians,  must  be  at  least  fifty. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be  yours,  &c. 

DANIEL  NEWMAN, 

His  Excellency  David  B.  Mitchell. 


PITTSBURG,  October  23d,  1812, 

SIR, 

I  embrace  this  opportunity  to  render  you  an  account  of  the 
garrison  of  Chicago. 

On  the  9th  of  August  last,  I  received  orders  from  general  Hull 
to  evacuate  the  post  and  proceed  with  my  command  to  Detroit, 
by  land,  leaving  it  at  my  discretion  to  dispose  of  the  public  pro 
perty  as  I  thought  proper.  The  neigbouring  Indians  got  infor 
mation  as  early  as  I  did,  and  came  in  from  all  quarters  in  order 
to  receive  the  goods  in  the  factory  store,  which  they  understood 
were  to  be  given  them.  On  the  13th,  Captain  Wells,  of  tort 
Wayne,  arrived  with  about  30  Miamies,  for  the  purpose  of  es^ 
corting  us  in,  by  the  request  of  general  Hull.  On  the  14th,  I 
delivered  the  Indians  all  the  goods  in  the  factory  store,  and  a  con 
siderable  quantity  of  provisions  which  we  could  not  take  away 
with  us.  The  surplus  arms  and  ammunition  I  thought  proper  to 
destroy,  fearing  they  would  make  bad  use  of  it  if  put  in  their 
possession.  I  also  destroyed  all  the  liquor  on  hand  soon  after 
they  began  to  collect.  The  collection  was  unusually  large  for 
that  place ;  but  they  conducted  themselves  with  the  strictest  pro 
priety  till  after  I  left  the  fort.  On  the  15th,  at  9  o'clock  in  the 
morning,  we  commenced  our  march  :  a  part  of  the  Miamies  were 
detached  in  front  and  the  remainder  in  our  rear,  as  guards, 
under  the  direction  of  captain  Wells.  The  situation  of  the 
country  rendered  it  necessary  for  us  to  take  the  beach,  with  the 
lake  on  our  left,  and  a  high  sand  bank  on  our  right,  at  about  100 
yards  distance. 

We  had  proceeded  about  a  mile  and  a  half,  when  it  was  disco 
vered  that  the  Indians  were  prepared  to  attack  us  from  behind 
the  bank.  I  iiiunediately  marched  up  with  the  company  to  the 
top  of  the  bank,  when  the  action  commenced ;  after  firing  one 
round,  we  charged,  and  the  Indians  gave  way  in  front  and  joined 


85 

those  on  our  flanks.  In  about  fifteen  minutes  they  got  posses 
sion  of  all  our  horses,  provisions,  and  baggage  of  every  descrip 
tion,  and  finding  the  Aliamies  did  not  assist  us,  I  drew  off  the 
few  men  I  had  left,  and  took  possession  of  a  small  elevation  in 
the  open  prairie,  out  of  shot  of  the  bank  or  any  other  cover.  The 
Indians  did  not  follow  me,  but  assembled  in  a  body  on  the  top  of 
the  bank,  and  after  some  consultations  among  themselves,  made 
signs  for  me  to  approach  them.  1  advanced  towards  them  alone, 
and  was  met  by  one  of  the  Potawatamie  chiefs,  called  the  Black 
Bird,  with  an  interpreter.  After  shaking  hands,  he  requested 
me  to  surrender,  promising  to  spare  the  lives  of  all  the  prisoners. 
On  a  few  moments  consideration,  I  concluded  it  would  be  most 
prudent  to  comply  with  his  request,  although  I  did  not  put  entire 
confidence  in  his  promise.  After  delivering  up  our  arms,  we 
were  taken  back  to  their  encampment  near  the  fort,  and  distri 
buted  among  the  different  tribes.  The  next  morning,  they  set 
fire  to  the  fort  and  left  the  place,  taking  the  prisoners  with  them. 
Their  number  of  warriors  was  between  four  and  five  hundred, 
mostly  of  the  Potawatamie  nation,  and  their  loss,  from  the  best 
information  I  could  get,  was  about  fifteen.  Our  strength  was 
fifty,  four  regulars  and  twelve  militia,  out  of  which,  twenty-six 
regulars  and  all  the  militia  were  killed  in  the  action,  with  two 
women  and  twelve  children.  Ensign  George  Ronan  and  doctor 
Isaac  V.  Van  Voorhis  of  my  company,  with  captain  Wells,  of 
fort  Wayne,  are,  to  my  great  sorrow,  numbered  among  the  dead. 
Lieutenant  Lina  T.  Helm,  with  twenty-five  non-commissioned 
officers  and  privates,  and  eleven  women  and  children,  were  pri 
soners  when  we  were  separated.  Mrs.  Heald  and  myself  were 
taken  to  the  mouth  of  the  river  St.  Joseph,  and  being  both  badly 
wounded,  were  permitted  to  reside  with  Mr.  Burnet,  an  Indian 
trader.  In  a  few  days  after  our  arrival  there,  the  Indians  all 
went  off  to  take  fort  Wayne,  and  in  their  absence,  I  engaged  a 
Frenchman  to  take  us  to  Michilimackinac  by  water,  where  I  gave 
myself  up  as  a  prisoner  of  war,  with  one  of  my  sergeants.  The 
commanding  officer,  captain  Roberts,  offered  me  every  assistance 
in  his  power  to  render  our  situation  comfortable  while  we  re 
mained  there,  and  to  enable  us  to  proceed  on  our  journey.  To 
him  I  gave  my  parole  of  honour,  and  came  on  to  Detroit  and  re 
ported  myself  to  colonel  Proctor,  who  gave  us  a  passage  to  Buf- 
faloe ;  from  that  place  I  came  by  the  way  of  Presque  Isle,  and 
arrived  here  yesterday. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be  yours,  &c. 

N.  HEALD, 
Captain  U.  8.  Infantry. 

Thomas  H.  Gushing,  Esqr. 
Adjutant  General, 


86 
AFFAIR  AT  ST.  REGIS. 

HEAD  QUARTERS,  CAMP  FRENCH  MILLS, 

October  24th,  1812. 

On  the  22d  I  despatched  several  confidential  friends,  to  recon 
noitre  a*bout  the  village  of  St.  Regis ;  they  returned  with  the  in 
formation,  that  the  enemy  had  landed  in  the  village,  and  that  we 
might  expect  a  visit  from  them  immediately.  Their  number  was 
Stated  by  no  one  at  less  than  110,  and  from  that  to  500 ;  the  most 
certain  information  fixed  on  the  former  number. 

It  was  also  believed  that  the  enemy  were  determined  to  make 
a  stand  at  that  place,  and  would  speedily  increase  their  number : 
this  determined  me  to  make  an  immediate  attempt  to  take  those 
already  landed,  before  any  reinforcement  could  arrive.  I  order 
ed  the  men  to  be  furnished  with  two  days  rations  of  provisions, 
with  double  rations  of  whiskey  ;  and  at  1 1  at  night,  we  marched 
with  the  utmost  silence,  that  we  might  give  as  little  alarm  as 
possible.  We  took  a  circuitous  route,  through  the  woods,  and 
arrived  at  Gray's  Mills,  at  half  past  3,  P.  M.  We  found  here,  a 
boat,  a  small  canoe,  and  two  cribs  of  boards ;  captain  Lypn's 
company  crossed  in  the  boat ;  captain  M 'Neil's,  in  the  canoe, 
and  the  remainder,  with  our  horses,  crossed  on  the  cribs.  We 
arrived,  within  half  a  mile  of  the  village,  at  5  o'clock ;  where, 
being  concealed  from  the  enemy  by  a  little  rise  of  ground,  we 
halted  to  reconnoitre,  refresh  the  men,  and  make  disposition  for 
the  attack,  which  was  arranged  in  the  following  order  : — captain 
Lyon  was  detached  from  the  right,  with  orders  to  take  the  road, 
running  along  the  bank  of  the  St.  Regis  river,  with  directions  to 
gain  the  rear  of  captain  Montaigny's  house,  in  which,  and  Don- 
ally's,  the  enemy  were  said  to  be  quartered.  Captain  Dilden 
was  detached  to  the  St.  Lawrence,  with  a  view  of  gaining  the 
route  of  Donally's  house,  and  also  securing  the  enemy's  boats, 
expected  to  have  been  stationed  there  to  prevent  their  retreat. 
With  the  remainder  of  the  force,  I  moved  on  in  front,  and  ar 
rived  within  a  hundred  and  fifty  yards  of  Montaigny's  house, 
when  I  found  by  the  firing,  that  captain  Lyon  was  engaged.  At 
the  same  instant,  I  discovered  a  person  passing  in  front,  and  or 
dered  him  to  stand  ;  but  not  being  obeyed,  ordered  captain  Hig- 
bie's  first  platoon  to  fire,  and  the  poor  fellow  soon  fell ;  he 
proved  to  be  the  ensign  named  in  the  list  of  killed.  The  firing 
was  at  an  end  in  an  instant,  and  we  soon  found  in  our  possession 
40  prisoners,  with  their  arms,  &c. — 4  killed — 1  wounded  mor 
tally  ;  took  1  stand  of  colours,  2  batteaux,  38  guns, — 40  men. 

After  searching  in  vain  for  further  military  stores,  we  re- 
crossed  the  river  at  the  village,  and  returned  to  camp  by  the 
nearest  route,  where  we  arrived  at  11  A.  M. — the  batteaux, 
with  baggage,  &c.  arrived  a  few  minutes  before  us.  We  had 
not  a  man  hurt.  I  cannot  close  this  letter,  without  stating  to 


87 

your  excellency,  that  the  officers  and  soldiers,  for  their  conduct 
on  this  occasion,  deserve  the  highest  encomiums ;  for  so  strict 
was  their  attention  to  duty  and  orders,  that  we  entered  the  place 
without  even  being  heard  by  the  Indians'  dogs.  The  prisoners 
I  have  just  sent  oft  to  Plattsburg,  to  await  the  disposition  of  your 
excellency. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  yours,  &c. 

G.  D.  YOUNG, 
Major,  commanding  troops  at  French  Milk. 

JBrig.  General  Bloomfield. 

NAVY  DEPARTMENT,  October  27th,  1812. 

SIR, 

I  have  received,  with  great  satisfaction,  your  communica 
tion  of  the  9th  instant ;  I  have  been  desired  by  the  President  of 
the  United  States,  to  return  to  you,  and  through  you,  to  the 
officers  and  men,  under  your  command,  in  the  expedition  to  fort 
Erie,  which  terminated  to  the  glory  of  the  American  arms,  his 
particular  thanks. 

I  am,  with  great  respect,  yours,  &c. 

PAUL  HAMILTON. 

P.  S.  Your  having  abstained  from   fulfilling  your  intimation 
that  you  would  expose  your  prisoners  to  the  enemy's  fire,  is  high 
ly  approved. 

Jesse  D.  Elliott,  Esqr. 

Lieut.  Commanding1,  Black  Rock. 


U.  S.  SHIP  UNITED  STATES,  AT  SEA, 

October  30th,  1812. 

SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  inform  you,  that  on  the  25th  instant, 
being  in  the  latitude  29,  N.  longitude  29  30,  W.  we  fell  in  with, 
and,  after  an  action  of  an  hour  and  a  half,  captured  his  Britannic 
Majesty's  ship  Macedonian,  commanded  by  captain  John  Garden, 
and  mounting  49  carriage  guns  (the  odd  gun  shifting.)  She  is  a 
frigate  of  the  largest  class,  two  years  old,  four  months  out  of 
dock,  and  reputed  one  of  the  best  sailors  in  the  British  service. 
The  enemy  being  to  windward,  had  the  advantage  of  engaging 
us  at  his  own  distance,  which  was  so  great,  that  for  the  first  half 
hour  we  did  not  use  our  carronades,  and  at  no  moment  was  he 
within  the  complete  effect  of  our  musketry  or  grape — to  this  cir 
cumstance  and  a  heavy  swell,  which  was  on  at  the  time,  I  av 
cribe  the  unusual  length  of  the  action. 


88 

The  enthusiasm  of  every  officer,  seaman  and  marine  on  board 
this  ship,  on  discovering  the  enemy — their  steady  conduct  in 
battle,  and  precision  of  their  fire,  could  not  be  surpassed.  Where 
all  met  my  fullest  expectations,  it  would  be  unjust  for  me  to  dis 
criminate.  Permit  me,  however,  to  recommend  to  your  particu 
lar  notice,  my  first  lieutenant,  William  H.  Allen.  He  has  served 
with  me  upwards  of  five  years,  and  to  his  unremitted  exertions 
in  disciplining  the  crew,  is  to  be  imputed  the  obvious  superiority 
of  our  gunnery  exhibited  in  the  result  of  this  contest. 

Subjoined  is  a  list  of  the  killed  and  wounded  on  both  sides. 
Our  loss,  compared  with  that  of  the  enemy,  will  appear  small. 
Amongst  our  wounded,  you  will  observe  the  name  of  lieutenant 
Funk,  who  died  in  a  few  hours  after  the  action — he  was  an  officer 
of  great  gallantry  and  promise,  and  the  service  has  sustained  a 
severe  loss  in  his  death. 

The  Macedonian  lost  her  mizen-mast,  fore  and  main-top 
masts  and  main  yard,  and  was  much  cut  up  in  her  hull.  The  dam 
age  sustained  by  this  ship  was  not  such  as  to  render  her  return 
into  port  necessary,  and  had  I  not  deemed  it  important  that  we 
should  see  our  prize  in,  should  have  continued  our  cruise. 
With  the  highest  consideration,  1  am,  yours,  &c. 

STEPHEN  DECATUR. 

The  Hon,  Paul  Hamilton. 

Killed        ...         5 

Wounded      ...     7 — 1  since  dead. 

12 


MACEDONIAN. 

Killed        ...         36 
Wounded       ...    68 

104 


RUSSEL'S  INDIAN  EXPEDITION. 

CAMP  RUSSEL,  October  31st,  1812. 

SIR, 

This  will  inform  you,  that  I  arrived  at  this  place,  from 
Vincennes,  after  general  Hopkins  had  marched  his  mounted  rifle 
men  up  to  fort  Harrison.  I  took  with  me,  a  part  of  three  com 
panies  of  United  States'  rangers,  where  I  was  joined  by  governor 
Edwards,  with  his  mounted  riflemen  ;  the  whole  of  our  strength 
amounted  to  360  privates.  We  penetrated  very  far  into  the  In 
dian  country,  with  an  expectation  of  co-operating  with  general 
Hopkins,  who,  by  appointment,  was  to  meet  us  at  the  Peoria,  on 
the  Illinois  river.  In  this,  we  were  sadly  disappointed,  as  we 


89 

could  get  no  intelligence  of  his  army.  This  prevented  us  from 
doing  as  much  damage  to  the  Indians,  as  otherwise  we  could 
have  done.  As  our  numbers  were  too  weak  to  make  any  delay 
in  that  quarter;  as  this  was  farther  than  any  troops  had  hitherto 
penetrated,  we  stole  a  march  upon  the  celebrated  Pimartam's 
town,  situated  about  21  miles  above  Peoria,  and  immediately  at 
the  head  of  Peoria  lake.  This  was  a  well  built  town,  and  con 
tained  a  number  of  Indians  ;  between  the  town  and  river,  was  a 
dismal  swamp,  in  which  they  immediately  flew  for  shelter,  re 
turning  a  few  scattering  shots.  Our  men  nobly  pursued  them 
through  the  swamp ;  and  also  others,  as  they  were  crossing  the 
Illinois  river.  The  men  also  pursued  them  to  the  opposite  bank, 
and  brought  back  some  of  their  canoes,  and  several  dead  bodies — 
the  governor  states,  to  be  upwards  of  20  killed,  of  the  enemy. 
This  was  a  flourishing  town,  with  an  immense  deal  of  Indian 
plunder  in  it,  together  with  a  great  deal  of  corn ;  all  of  wrhich 
was  committed  to  the  flames.  I  believe  not  less  than  80  horses 
fell  into  our  hands  belonging  to  the  enemy.  Several  white  per 
sons'  scalps  were  also  found  among  their  plunder.  I  had  the 
immediate  command  of  the  battalion,  and  the  superior  command 
was  retained  by  his  excellency  the  governor.  On  this  expedition 
we  were  fortunate;  we  had  but  4  men  wounded,  none  of  which  is 
mortal.  This  tour  was  performed  from  camp,  and  back  to  the  same 
place,  in  13  days. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be  yours,  &c. 

W.  RUSSELL, 
Colonel  7th  JDist.  Comdg. 
The  Secretary  of  War. 


AT  SEA,  longitude  32,  latitude  33,  November  1, 1812. 
STIR, 

I  wrote  you  on  the  18th  ultimo,  by  the  British  packet  Swal 
low,  informing  you  of  having  captured  that  vessel  with  between 
an  hundred  and  fifty  and  two  hundred  thousand  dollars  on  board; 
and  I  now  write  you  by  a  British  South  Sea  ship,  loaded  with  oil, 
captured  yesterday,  one  of  two  ships  under  convoy  of  the  frigate 
Galatea. 

The  above  ship  is  manned  by  the  Congress,  and  it  is  now  blow 
ing  so  fresh,  that  I  cannot  learn  from  Captain  Smith  her  name, 
having  separated  from  him  yesterday  in  chase  of  the  Galatea 
whilst  he  was  manning  the  prize,  and  owing  to  excessive  bad 
weather,  last  night,  was  unable  to  join  him  to  day. 

I  got  within  six  or  seven  miles  of  the  Galatea  by  sun-set,  but 
the  extreme  darkness  of  the  night  enabled  her  to  escape. 

With  the  greatest  respect,  I  am,  &c. 

JOHN  RODGER^ 

The  Hon.  Paul  Hamilton, 

Secretory  of  the  Navy. 


90 
SACKETT'S  HARBOR,  November  13th,  1812. 

SIR, 

1  arrived  here  last  evening  in  a  gale  of  wind,  the  pilots  hav 
ing  refused  to  keep  the  lake.  On  the  8th  I  fell  in  with  the  Roy 
al  George,  and  chased  her  into  the  bay  of  Quanti,  where  I  lo'st 
sight  of  ner  in  the  night.  In  the  morning  of  the  9th  we  again  got 
sight  of  her  lying  in  Kingston  channel.  We  gave  chase,  and  follow 
ed  her  into  the  harbor  of  Kingston,  where  we  engaged  her  and  the 
batteries  for  one  hour  and  45  minutes.  I  had  made  up  my  mind 
to  board  her,  but  she  was  so  well  protected  by  the  batteries,  and 
the  wind  blowing  directly  in,  it  was  deemed  imprudent  to  make 
the  attempt  at  that  time ;  the  pilots  also  refused  to  take  charge 
of  the  vessel.  Under  these  circumstances,  and  it  being  after 
sun-down,  I  determined  to  haul  off*  and  renew  the  attack  next 
morning.  We  beat  up  in  good  order  under  a  heavy  fire  from  the 
Royal  George  and  batteries  to  4  mile  point,  where  we  anchored. 
It  blew  heavy  in  squalls  from  the  westward  during  the  night, 
and  there  was  every  appearance  of  a  gale  of  wind.  The  pilots 
became  alarmed,  and  1  thought  it  most  prudent  to  get  into  a  place 
of  more  safety.  I  therefore  (very  reluctantly)  deferred  renewing 
the  attack  upon  the  ships  and  forts  until  a  more  favourable  op 
portunity. 

At  7  A.  M.  on  the  10th,  I  made  the  signal  to  weigh,  and  we 
beat  out  of  a  very  narrow  channel,  under  a  very  heavy  press  of 
sail  to  the  open  lake.  At  10  we  fell  in  with  the  governor  Sincoe 
running  for  Kingston,  and  chased  her  into  the  harbor.  She  es 
caped  by  running  over  a  reef  of  rocks  under  a  heavy  fire  from 
the  Governor  Tompkins,  the  Hamilton  and  the  Julia,  which  cut 
her  very  much.  All  her  people  ran  below  while  under  the  fire 
of  these  vessels.  The  Hamilton  chased  her  into  nine  feet  water 
before  she  hauled  off.  We  tacked  to  the  southward,  with  an  in- 
tention  of  running  to  our  station  at  the  Ducks,  but  it  coming  on 
to  blow  very  heavy,  the  pilots  told  me  it  would  be  unsafe  to  keep 
the  lakes.  I  bore  up  for  this  place,  where  I  arrived  last  night. 

In  our  passage  through  the  bay  of  Quanti,  I  discovered  a 
schooner  at  the  village  of  Armingstown  which  we  took  possession 
of,  but  finding  she  would  detain  us  (being  then  in  chase  of  the 
Royal  George)  I  ordered  lieutenant  Macpherson  to  take  out  her 
sails  and  rigging  and  burn  her,  which  he  did.  We  also  took  the 
schooner  Mary,  Hall,  from  Niagara,  at  the  mouth  of  Kingston  har 
bor,  and  took  her  with  us  to  our  anchorage.  The  next  morning, 
finding  that  she  could  not  beat  through  the  channel  with  us,  I 
ordered  the  sailing  master  of  the  Growler  to  take  her  under  con 
voy  and  run  down  past  Kingston,  anchor  on  the  east  end  of  Long 
Island,  and  wait  for  a  wind  to  come  up  on  the  east  side.  I  was 
also  in  hopes  that  the  Royal  George  might  be  induced  to  follow 
for  the  purpose  of  re -taking  our  prize,  but  her  commander  was 
too  well  aware  of  the  consequences  to  leave  his  moorings.  We 
lost  in  this  affair  one  man  killed,  and  three  slightly  wounded, 


91 

with  a  few  shot  through  our  sails.  The  other  vessels  lost  no  men 
and  received  but  little  injury  in  their  hulls  and  sails,  with  the 
exception  of  the  Pert,  whose  gun  burst  in  the  early  part  of  the 
action,  and  wounded  her  commander  (sailing-master  Arundel) 
badly,  and  a  midshipman  aad  three  men  slightly.  Mr.  Arundel, 
who  refused  to  quit  the  deck,  although  wounded,  was  knocked 
overboard  in  beating  up  to  anchorage,  and  I  am  sorry  to  say  was 
drowned. 

The  Royal  George  must  have  received  very  considerable  in 
jury  in  her  hull  and  in  men,  as  the  gun  vessels  with  a  long  32 
pounder  were  seen  to  strike  her  almost  every  shot,  and  it  was 
observed  that  she  was  reinforced  with  troops  four  different  times 
during  the  action. 

I  have  great  pleasure  in  saying  that  the  officers  and  men  on 
board  every  vessel  behaved  with  the  utmost  coolness,  and  are 
extremely  anxious  to  meet  the  enemy  on  the  open  lake,  and  as 
long  as  I  have  the  honour  to  command  such  officers  and  such  men, 
I  can  have  no  doubt  of  the  result. 

I  think  I  can  say  with  great  propriety,  that  we  have  now  the 
command  of  the  lake,  and  that  we  can  transport  troops  and  stores 
to  any  part  of  it  without  any  risk  of  an  attack  from  the  enemy. 
Although  the  whole  of  his  naval  force  was  not  collected  at  Kings 
ton,  yet  the  force  at  the  different  batteries  would  more  than  coun 
terbalance  the  vessels  that  were  absent.  It  was  thought  by  all 
the  officers  in  the  squadron,  that  the  enemy  had  more  than  thirty 
guns  mounted  at  Kingston,  and  from  1,000  to  1,500  men.  The 
Royal  George,  protected  by  this  force,  was  driven  into  the  inner 
harbor,  under  the  protection  of  the  musketry,  by  the  Oneida  and 
four  small  schooners  fitted  out  as  gun  boats ;  the  Gavernor 
Tompkins  not  having  been  able  to  join  in  the  action  until  about 
sun-down,  owing  to  the  lightness  of  the  winds,  and  the  Pert's  gun 
having  burst  the  second  or  third  shot. 

We  are  replacing  all  deficiencies,  and  I  shall  proceed  up  the 
lake  the  first  wind,  in  the  hopes  to  fall  in  with  the  Earl  Moira  and 
the  Prince  Regent ;  at  any  rate  I  shall  endeavour  to  prevent  them 
from  forming  a  junction  with  the  Royal  George  again  this  winter. 
I  shall  also  visit  Niagara  river  if  practicable,  in  order  to  land  some 
guns  and  stores  that  I  have  taken  on  board  for  that  purpose.  If 
the  enemy  are  still  in  possession  of  Queenstown,  I  shall  try  to 
land  them  a  few  miles  below.  I  shall  have  the  honour  of  writ 
ing  you  more  in  detail  upon  this  subject  on  my  return,  or  perhaps 
before  I  leave  here,  if  the  wind  should  continue  ahead. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be  ypurs,  &c. 

ISAAC  CHAUNCEY 

The  Hon.  Paul  Hamilton, 

Secretary  of  the  Navy,  Washington. 


92 

NEW  YORK,  November  24th,  1812, 
SIR, 

I  here  avail  myself  of  the  first  opportunity  of  informing 
you  of  the  occurrences  of  our  cruise,  which  terminated  in  the 
capture  of  the  Wasp,  on  the  18th  of  October,  by  the  Poictiers 
of  74  guns,  while  a  wreck  from  damages  received  in  an  engage 
ment  with  the  British  sloop  of  war  Frolic,  of  22  guns;  16  of 
them  32  pound  carronades,  and  four  twelve  pounders  on  the 
main  deck,  and  two  twelve  pounders,  carronades,  on  the  top 
gallant-forecastle,  making  her  superior  in  force  to  us  by  four 
twelve  pounders.  The  Frolic  had  struck  to  us  and  was  taken 
possession  of,  about  two  hours  before  our  surrendering  to  the 
toictiers. 

We  had  left  the  Delaware  on  the  13th.  The  16th  had  a  heavy 
gale,  in  which  we  lost  our  gib -boom  and  two  men.  Half  past  11, 
on  the  night  of  the  17th,  in  the  latitude  of  37  degrees  north,  and 
longitude  65  degrees  west,  we  saw  several  sail ;  two  of  them  ap 
peared  very  large.  We  stood  from  them  for  some  time,  then  shor 
tened  sail  and  steered  the  remainder  of  the  night  the  course  we 
had  perceived  them  on.  At  day -light,  on  Sunday  the  18th,  we 
saw  them  ahead — gave  chase,  and  soon  discovered  them  to  be  a 
convoy  of  six  sail,  under  the  protection  of  a  sloop  of  war,  four 
of  them  large  ships,  mounting  from  16  to  18  guns.  At  30  min 
utes  past  11,  A.  M.  we  engaged  the  sloop  of  war,  having  first  re 
ceived  her  fire  at  the  distance  of  fifty  or  sixty  yards,  which  space 
we  gradually  lessened  until  we  laid  her  on  board,  after  a  well 
supported  fire  of  43  minutes;  and  although  so  near,  while  load 
ing  the  last  broadside,  that  our  rammers  were  shoved  against  the 
side  of  the  enemy,  our  men  exhibited  the  same  alacrity  which 
they  had  done  during  the  whole  of  the  action.  They  imme 
diately  surrendered  upon  our  gaining  their  forecastle,  so  that  no 
loss  was  sustained  on  either  side  after  boarding. 

Our  main-top-mast  was  shot  away  between  four  and  five  min 
utes  from  the  commencement  of  the  firing,  and  falling  together 
•with  the  main-top-sail  yard  across  the  larboard  fore  and  fore- 
top-sail  braces,  rendered  our  head-yards  unmanageable  the  re 
mainder  of  the  action.  At  eight  minutes  the  gaft  and  main  top 
gallant-mast  came  down,  and  at  twenty  minutes  from  the  begin 
ning  of  the  action,  every  brace  and  most  of  the  rigging  was  shot 
away.  A  few  minutes  after  separating  from  the  Frolic,  both  her 
masts  fell  upon  deck,  the  main-mast  going  close  by  the  deck, 
and  the  fore-mast  twelve  or  fifteen  feet  above  it. 

The  courage  and  exertions  of  the  officers  and  crew  fully  an 
swered  my  expectations  and  wishes.  Lieutenant  Biddle's  active 
conduct  contributed  much  to  our  success,  by  the  exact  attention 
paid  to  every  department  during  the  engagement,  and  the  ani 
mating  example  he  afforded  the  crew  by  his  intrepidity.  Lieu 
tenants  Rodgers,  Booth,  and  Mr.  Rapp,  shewed  by  the  incessant 
tiro  from  their  divisions,  that  they  were  not  to  be  surpassed  in 


resolution  or  skill.  Mr.  Knight  and  every  other  officer  acted 
with  a  courage  and  promptitude  highly  honourable,  and  I  trust 
have  given  assurance  that  they  may  be  relied  on  whenever  their 
services  may  be  required. 

I  could  not  ascertain  the  exact  loss  of  the  enemy,  as  many  of 
the  dead  lay  buried  under  the  masts  and  spars  that  had  fallen 
upon  deck,  which  two  hours' exertion  had  not  sufficiently  removed. 
Mr.  Biddle,  who  had  charge  of  the  Frolic,  states  that  from  what 
he  saw  and  from  information  from  the  officers,  the  number  of 
killed  must  have  been  about  thirty,  and  that  of  the  wounded 
about  forty  or  fifty — of  the  killed  is  her  .first  lieutenant  and 
sailing  master ;  of  the  wounded,  captain  Whinyates  and  the  se 
cond  lieutenant. 

We  had  five  killed  and  five  wounded  as  per  list ;  the  wounded 
are  recovering.  Lieutenant  Claxton,  who  was  confined  by  sickness, 
left  his  bed  a  little  previous  to  the  engagement,  and  though  too 
weak  to  be  at  his  division,  remained  upon  deck  and  shewed  by 
his  composed  manner  of  noting  incidents,  that  we  had  lost,  by  his 
illness,  the  services  of  a  brave  officer. 


The  Hon.  Paul  Hamilton, 

Secretary  of  the  Navy. 


I  am,  respectfully,  vours,  &c. 

JACOB  JONEfr 


FORT  NIAGARA,  November  25th,  1812. 
SIR, 

T  beg  leave  to  inform  you  that  on  the  morning  of  the  21st 
instant,  at  5  o'clock,  a  heavy  connonading  opened  upon  this  gar 
rison  from  all  the  batteries  at,  and  in  the  neighbourhood  of,  Fort 
George,  which  lasted,  without  intermission,  until  after  sun-down. 
They  had  five  detached  batteries,  two  mounting  24  pounders, 
one  mounting  a  9,  and  two  mortar  batteries,  one  of  10£,  the 
other  5^  inch.  The  batteries  fired  hot  shot,  which  set  some  of 
our  buildings  on  fire,  but  from  the  extraordinary  vigilance  of  the 
officers  and  men,  particularly  major  Armistead  of  the  United 
States'  corps  of  engineers,  whose  indefatigable  exertions  were 
extended  to  all  parts  of  the  garrison,  the  fires  were  got  under 
without  being  observed  by  the  enemy. 

The  garrison  was  not  as  well  provided  with  artillery  and  am 
munition  as  I  could  have  wished  ;  however,  the  batteries  opened 
a  tremendous  fire  upon  them  in  return,  with  hot  shot,  admirably 
well  directed. 

Several  times  during  the  cannonading,  the  town  of  Newark 
was  in  flames,  but  was  extinguished  by  their  engines,  as  also  the 
centre  building  in  Fort  George.  Their  mess  house  and  all  the 
buildings  near  it  were  consumed.  Captain  M'Keon  commanded  a 
12  pounder  iu  the  south-east  block  house,  and  distinguished  him- 


self  by  his  usual  gallantry  and  skill.  Captain  Jacks,  of  the  7th 
regiment  militia  artillery,  commanded  a  six  pounder  on  the  north 
block  house,  and  together  with  a  part  of  his  own  company,  though 
placed  in  a  situation  most  exposed  to  the  lire  of  the  enemy,  main 
tained  their  position  like  veterans.  Lieutenant  Rees  of  the  3d 
regiment  of  artillery,  had  the  command  of  an  eighteen  pounder  on 
the  south -east  battery,  which  was  pointed  at  a  battery  en  barbette, 
mounting  a  twenty-four  pounder,  and  also  at  Fort  George  ;  seve 
ral  well  directed  shot  were  directed  from  this  gun,  which  proved 
the  skill  of  its  commander. 

About  10  o'clock,  lieutenant  Rees  had  his  left  shoulder  bruised 
by  a  part  of  the  parapet  falling  on  him;  which,  though  it  did  not 
materially  injure  him,  obliged  him  to  retire,  and  captain  Leonard, 
of  the  1st  regiment  United  States'  artillery,  at  that  moment  arriv 
ing,  he  took  command  of  the  battery  for  the  remainder  of  the 
day.  Lieutenant  Wcndel,  of  the  3d  regiment  of  artillery,  had 
the  command  of  an  eighteen  and  four  pounder  on  the  west  bat 
tery,  and  doctor  Hooper,  of  captain  Jack's  company  of  militia 
artillery,  had  the  command  of  a  six  pounder  on  the  mess  house. 
Of  these  gentlemen  and  their  commands,  I  cannot  speak  with 
too  much  praise  ;  they  distinguished  themselves  highly,  and  from 
their  shot,  all  of  which  was  hot,  the  town  of  Newark  was  repeat 
edly  fired,  and  one  of  the  enemy's  batteries  silenced  for  a  time. 

An  instance  of  extraordinary  bravery  in  a  female  (the  wife  of 
one  Doyle,  a  private  of  the  United  States'  artillery,  made  a  pri 
soner  at  Queenstown)  [  cannot  pass  over.  During  the  most  tre 
mendous  cannonading  I  have  ever  seen,  she  attended  the  six 
pounder  on  the  old  mess  house  with  red  hot  shot,  and  showed 
fortitude  equal  to  the  maid  of  Orleans. 

Lieutenants  Gansevoortand  Harris,  of  the  1st  regiment  United 
States'  artillery,  had  command  of  the  salt  battery  at  Youngstown, 
mounting  one,  eighteen  and  a  four  pounder.  These  two  guns 
played  upon  the  battery  of  Fort  George  and  the  buildings  near 
it:  from  every  observation  I  could  make  during  their  fire,  I  am 
happy  to  say  they  merited  my  warmest  thanks  for  their  skill  in 
the  service  of  these  guns. 

Lieutenant  Harris,  from  his  four  pounder,  sunk  a  schooner 
which  lay  at  their  wharf:  she  was  one  of  those  taken  by  the 
enemy  at  the  mouth  of  Genesee  river  a  short  time  since.  He 
also  assisted  in  burning  and  destroying  the  buildings  near  the 
xvharf.  These  two  officers  and  their  men  in  the  warmest  part  of 
the  cannonading,  having  fired  away  all  their  cartridges,  cut  up 
their  flannel  waistcoats  and  shirts,  and  the  soldiers  their  trow- 
sers,  to  supply  their  guns. 

I  cannot  say  too  much  of  all  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  the 
artillery  immediately  under  my  observation  in  this  garrison  ;  they 
merit  the  thanks  and  esteem  of  their  country  for  the  defence  of 
it,  and  I  believe  it  never  sustained  so  sharp  and  continued  a  bom 
bardment.  The  enemy  threw  more  than  two  thousand  red  hot 


95 

balls  into  it,  and  a  number  ot  shells,  amounting  to  more  than  180, 
only  one  of  which  did  injury  to  our  men.  Lieutenant  colonel 
Gray  commanded  the  artillery  ;  the  unremitted  attention  paid  to 
his  duty,  proves  him  an  officer  whose  zeal  and  science  do  honour 
to  himself  and  country ;  to  this  gentleman  I  feel  much  indebted 
for  the  manner  he  acquitted  himself.  To  the  officers  of  my  re 
giment  (particularly  captain  Milligan)  and  the  soldiers  who  as 
sisted  the  artillery,  and  those  employed  in  extinguishing  the  fires 
and  carrying  off  the  killed  and  wounded,  I  am  also  much  in 
debted  ;  they  merit  my  warmest  thanks.  To  doctor  West  of 
the  garrison,  doctor  Hugan  of  the  14th  regiment  United  States' 
infantry,  and  doctor  Craig  of  the  22d  regiment  United  States' 
infantry,  I  offer  my  thanks ;  they  were  employed  during  the 
entire  day  in  the  most  critical  duties  of  their  profession. 

Our  killed  and  wounded  amounted  to  eleven.  From  the  num 
bers  we  saw  carried  off  from  the  enemy's  batteries,  I  presume 
many  more  were  killed  and  wounded  on  their  side. 

Only  two  of  the  above  men  were  killed  by  the  enemy's  shot, 
the  rest  by  the  bursting  of  a  12  pounder  in  the  south-east  block 
house,  and  by  the  sponges  of  the  guns  on  the  north  block  house, 
and  at  the  salt  battery. 

GEORGE  M'FEELEY, 

Lt.  Col.  commanding  Fort  Niagarat 
General  Alex.  Smyth. 


EXPEDITION  ON  THE  WABASH. 

ON  WABASH,  NEAR  THE  MOUTH  OF  PINE-CREEK, 

November  27th,  1812. 

SIR, 

By  colonel  Richard  Taylor,  quarter  master  general,  who 
goes  on  as  quick  as  possible  to  Frankfort,  I  have  it  in  my  power 
to  give  you  general  information  of  the  movements  of  the  army, 
since  my  last.  On  the  llth,  the  army  marched  from  fort  Harri 
son,  on  the  road  formerly  made  by  governor  Harrison's  army,  and 
the  boats  set  out  at  the  same  time.  The  length  of  time  the  ene 
my  had  expected  us,  made  it  necessary  to  guard  ourselves  in  an 
especial  manner.  The  rise  of  the  waters,  from  the  heavy  fall  of 
rain  preceding  our  march,  and  some  large  creeks,  left  us  no 
doubt  of  considerable  difficulty  and  embarrassment;  insomuch, 
that  not  until  the  14th  did  we  pass  Sugar  creek,  3  miles  above 
the  road. 

From  every  information,  I  had  no  hesitation  in  moving  on  the 
east  side  of  the  Wabash ;  the  Vermillions,  Pine  creek,  and  other 
impediments  on  the  west  side,  superadded  to  the  presumption 
that  we  were  expected,  and  might  more  easily  be  annoyed  and 
ambuscaded  on  that  route,  determined  me  in  this  measure ;  the, 


boats  too,  with  our  provisions  of  rations,  forage,  and  military- 
stores,  could  be  more  easily  covered  and  protected,  as  the  line  of 
march  could  be  invariably  nearer  the  river.  Lieutenant  colonel 
Barbour,  with  bne  battalion  of  his  regiment,  had  command  of 
the  7  boats,  and  encamped  with  us,  on  the  bank  of  the  river, 
almost  every  night.  This  so  protracted  our  march,  that  we  did 
not  reach  the  Prophet's  town  until  the  19th  :  on  the  morning  of 
this  day,  I  detached  300  men  to  surprize  the  Winebago  town, 
lying  on  Ponce  Passu  creek,  one  mile  from  the  Wabash,  and  4 
below  the  Prophet's.  This  party,  commanded  by  general  Butler, 
surrounded  the  place  about  break  of  day,  and  found  it  evacua 
ted.  There  were  in  the  main  town  about  40  houses,  many  of 
them  from  30  to  50  feet  in  length  ;  besides  many  temporary  huts 
in  the  surrounding  Prairie,  in  which  they  had  cultivated  a  great 
deal  of  corn. 

On  the  20th,  21st  and  22d,  we  were  employed  in  the  complete 
destruction  of  the  Prophet's  town,  which  contained  about  40 
cabins  and  huts,  and  the  large  Kickapoo  village  adjoining  below 
it,  on  the  west  side  of  the  river,  consisting  of  about  160  cabins 
and  huts  ;  finding,  and  destroying  their  corn,  reconnoitering  the 
circumjacent  part  of  the  country,  and  constructing  works  for  the 
defence  of  our  boats  and  the  army.  Seven  miles  east  of  us,  on 
the  Ponce  Passu  creek,  a  party  of  Indians  were  discovered— 
they  had  fired  on  a  small  party  of  ours  on  the  21st,  and  killed  a 
man  by  the  name  of  Dunn,  a  gallant  soldier  in  captain  Duvall's 
company.  On  the  22d,  upwards  of  sixty  horsemen,  under  the  com 
mand  of  lieutenant  colonels  Miller  and  Wilcox,  anxious  to  bury 
their  comrade,  as  well  as  gain  a  more  complete  knowledge  of  the 
ground,  went  on  to  a  point  near  the  Indian  encampment,  fell  into 
an  ambuscade,  and  18  of  our  party  were  killed,  wounded,  and 
missing.  Among  these,  are  three  hopeful  young  officers,  and  one 
private  from  the  8th  (Wiicox's)  regiment,  viz : — Mars,  Edward s, 
Murray,  and  the  private  Webb,  presumed  to  be  killed ;  the  other 
14  were  of  the  rangers.  On  the  return  of  this  party,  and  the 
information  of  a  large  assemblage  of  the  enemy,  who,  encouraged 
by  the  strength  of  their  camp,  appeared  to  be  waiting  for  us,  every 
preparation  was  made  to  march  early,  and  engage  the  enemy  at 
every  risk ;  when,  from  the  most  violent  storm,  and  fall  of  snow, 
attended  with  the  coldest  \veather  I  ever  saw  or  felt,  at  this  sea 
son  of  the  year,  and  which  did  not  subside  until  the  evening 
of  the  23d,  we  were  delayed  until  the  24th.  Upon  arriving 
on  the  ground,  we  found  the  enemy  had  deserted  their  camp 
before  the  fall  of  snow,  and  passed  the  Ponce  Passu.  I  have  no 
doubt  but  their  ground  was  the  strongest  I  ever  have  seen ;  the 
deep,  rapid  creek  spoken  of,  was  in  their  rear,  running  in  a  semi 
circle,  and  fronted  by  a  bluff  100  feet  high,  almost  perpendicular, 
and  only  to  be  penetrated  by  three  steep  ravines.  If  the  enemy 
would  not  defend  themselves  here,  it  was  evident  they  did  not 
4'ntend  fighting  at  all.  After  reconnoitering  sufficiently,  we  re- 


turned  to  camp,  and  found  the  ice  so  accumulated,  as  to  alarm  us 
for  the  return  of  the  boats.  I  had  fully  intended  to  have  spent 
one  more  week  in  endeavouring  to  find  the  Indian  camps; 
but  the  shoeless,  shirtless  state  of  the  troops,  now  clad  in  the 
remnants  of  their  summer  dress ;  a  river  full  of  ice ;  the  hills 
covered  with  snow ;  a  rigid  climate,  and  no  certain  point  to  which 
we  could  further  direct  our  operations  ;  under  the  influence  of  the 
advice  of  every  field  and  staif  officer,  orders  were  given,  and 
measures  pursued  for  our  return,  on  the  25th.  We  are  now  pro 
gressing  to  fort  Harrison,  through  the  ice  and  snow,  where  we 
expect  to  arrive  on  the  last  day  of  this  month. 

From  Vincennes  I  shall  have  the  honour  of  addressing  your  ex 
cellency  again :  but,  before  I  close  this,  I  cannot  forbear  express 
ing  the  merits  of  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  this  command.  After 
leaving  at  fort  Harrison  all  unfit  for  duty,  we  had  in  privates  of 
every  corps,  about  1000 — in  the  total,  1250  or  thereabout.  At  the 
Prophet's  town,  upwards  of  100  of  these  were  on  the  sick  report. 
Yet,  sir,  have  we  progressed  in  such  order  as  to  menace  our  enemy, 
from  any  annoyance.  Seven  large  keel  boats  have  been  covered 
and  protected,  to  a  point  hitherto  unknown  in  Indian  expeditions. 
Three  large  Indian  establishments  have  been  burnt  and  destroy 
ed,  with  near  three  miles  of  fence,  (and  all  the  corn,  &c.  we  could 
find,)  besides  many  smaller  ones  ;  the  enemy  have  been  sought 
in  their  strong  holds,  and  every  opportunity  afforded  them  to 
attack  or  alarm  us  ;  a  march  on  the  east  side  of  the  Wabash, 
without  road,  or  recognizance  of  the  country,  fully  100  miles 
perfected ;  and  this  was  done  with  a  naked  army  of  infantry, 
aided  by  only  about  fifty  rangers  and  spies :  all  this  will  have 
been  done  in  twenty  days — no  sigh,  no  murmur,  no  complaint. 
I  have  the  honour  to  be,  yours,  &c. 

SAMUEL  HOPKINS. 

His  excellency  Gov.  Shelby. 


CAMP,  NEAR  BUFF  ALOE,  December  4th,  1812. 

sm, 

The  troops,  under  my  command,  having  been  ordered  to  hut 
themselves  for  the  winter,  it  becomes  my  duty  to  report  to  you 
the  proceedings  had  here,  since  I  took  command  on  this  frontier. 

On  or  about  the  26th  of  October,  1  ordered  that  20  scows  should 
be  prepared  for  the  transportation  of  cavalry  and  artillery,  and 
put  the  carpenters  of  the  army  upon  that  duty.  By  the  26th 
November,  ten  scows  were  completed  ;  and  by  bringing  boats 
from  lake  Ontario,  the  number  was  increased  to  seventy. 

I  had  issued  an  address  to  the  men  of  New  York ;  and  per 
haps  300  volunteers  had  arrived  at  Buffaloe.  I  presumed  that 
the  regular  troops,  and  the  volunteers,  under  colonels  Smith  and 
M'Clure,  would  furnish  2,300  men  for  duty ;  and,  of  general 
13 


Tann chill's  brigade,  reporting  a  total  of  1,650,  as  many  as  415 
had  volunteered  to  cross  into  Canada.  I  deemed  myself  ready 
"to  cross  with  3,000  men  at  once,"  according  to  your  orders. 
Preparatory  thereto,  on  the  night  of  the  27th  of  November,  1 
sent  over  two  parties ;  one  under  lieutenant  colonel  Boerstler  ; 
the  other  under  captain  King,  with  whom  lieutenant  Angus,  of 
the  navy,  at  the  head  of  a  body  of  seamen,  united. 

The  first  mentioned  party  was  to  capture  a  guard  and  destroy 
a  bridge,  about  five  miles  below  fort  Erie ;  the  second  party  were 
to  take,  and  render  useless,  the  cannon  of  the  enemy's  batteries, 
and  pieces  of  light  artillery.  The  first  party  made  some  pri 
soners,  but  failed  to  destroy  the  bridge.  The  second  party,  after 
rendering  unserviceable  the  light  artillery,  separated  by  some 
misapprehension.  Lieutenant  Angus,  the  seamen,  and  part  of 
the  troops  returned,  with  all  the  boats,  while  captain  King,  cap 
tain  Morgan,  captain  Sproul,  Lieutenant  Houston,  and  about 
sixty  men,  remained.  Captain  King,  notwithstanding,  with  those 
under  his  command,  advanced  to  the  enemy's  batteries,  attacked 
and  took  two  of  them  in  succession,  rendered  unserviceable  the 
cannon,  and  took  a  number  of  prisoners.  In  descending  the 
Niagara  some  distance,  two  boats  were  found,  on  board  of  which 
captain  King  sent  his  prisoners,  all  his  officers  and  half  his  men ; 
his  high  sense  of  honour  would  not  allow  him  to  quit  the  remain 
der — he  was  captured  with  them. 

Orders  had  been  ^iven,  that  all  the  troops  in  the  neighbourhood 
should  march  atrevellie  to  the  place  of  embarkation.  A  part  of 
the  detachment  sent  in  the  night,  having  returned,  and  having 
excited  apprehensions  for  the  residue,  about  250  men,  under  col 
onel  Winder,  put  off  in  boats,  for  the  opposite  shore ;  a  part  of  this 
force  had  landed,  when  a  superior  force,  with  a  piece  of  artillery 
appeared  : — a  retreat  was  ordered,  and  colonel  Winder's  detach 
ment  suffered  a  loss  of  six  killed,  and  22  wounded ;  of  whom, 
three  were  officers.  The  general  embarkation  commenced  as 
the  troops  arrived  ;  but  this  being  the  first  time  the  troops  had 
embarked,  the  whole  of  the  scows  were  occupied  by  about  one- 
third  part  of  the  artillery  ;  while  about  800  regular  infantry, 
something  upwards  of  200  twelve  month's  volunteers,  and  per 
haps  200  of  those  militia  who  had  volunteered  their  services  for 
a  few  days,  occupied  all  the  boats  that  were  ready.  The  troops 
then  embarked,  moved  up  the  stream  to  Black  Rock,  without  sus 
taining  loss  from  the  enemy's  fire.  It  was  now  the  afternoon, 
and  they  were  ordered  to  disembark,  and  dine.  The  enemy 
showed  a  force,  estimated  at  five  or  six  hundred  men,  drawn  up 
in  a  field,  at  some  distance  from  the  river ;  and  had  one  piece  of 
artillery,  said  to  be  a  nine  pounder,  ready  to  fire  on  our  troops. 

There  remained,  unembarked,  a  part  of  the  artillery ;  a  few 
cavalry;  the  volunteers  under  colonel  M'Clure,  amounting,  on 
that  day,  to  340  men;  a  detachment  from  general  Tannehill's 
brigade,  (number  unknown,  and  little  relied  on;)  there  were  als* 


99 

sundry  crowds  who  might  perhaps  have  followed  the  army,  if  it 
was  successful. 

Recollecting  your  instructions  "  to  cross  with  3,000  men  at 
once,"  and  to  consult  some  of  my  principal  officers  in  "  all  im 
portant  movements,"  I  called  for  the  field  officers  of  the  regular 
and  twelve  month's  volunteers  embarked;  colonel  Porter  not 
being  found  at  the  moment,  captain  Gibson  was  called,  as  the 
next  senior  officer  of  artillery.  These  questions  were  put:— 
"  Is  it  expedient  now  to  cross  over  ?  Is  the  force  we  have,  suffi 
cient  to  conquer  the  opposite  coast  ?"  The  first  question  was 
decided  in  the  negative,  by  colonels  Parker,  Schuyler,  Winder, 
lieutenant  colonels  Boerstler  and  Coles,  and  major  Campbell. 
Colonel  Swift,  of  the  volunteers,  alone  gave  an  opinion  for  then 
crossing  over.  The  second  question  was  not  decided :  colonel 
Parker,  colonel  Schuyler,  lieutenant  colonel  Coles,  and  major 
Campbell,  were  decidedly  of  opinion  that  the  force  was  insuffici 
ent.  Colonels  Winder  a"nd  Smith,  lieutenant  colonel  Boerstler, 
and  captain  Gibson,  deemed  the  force  sufficient.  I  determined 
to  postpone  crossing  over,  until  more  complete  preparation  would 
enable  me  to  embark  the  whole  force  at  once,  according  to  your 
instructions.  The  next  day  was  spent  in  such  preparations,  and 
the  troops  were  ordered  to  be  again  at  the  place  of  embarkation, 
at  8  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  30th  November.  On  their 
arrival  they  were  sent  into  the  adjacent  woods,  there  to  build 
fires,  and  remain  until  3  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  the  1st  of 
December,  when  it  was  intended  to  put  off  two  hours  before  day 
light,  so  as  to  avoid  the  fire  of  the  enemy's  cannon,  in  passing  the 
position  which  it  was  believed  they  occupied  below  ;  to  land  above 
Chippewa,  assault  that  place,  and,  if  successful,  march  through 
Queenstown,  to  fort  George.  The  contractor  was  called  on 
to  furnish  rations  for  2500  men,  for  four  days ;  when  it  was 
found,  he  could  furnish  the  pork,  but  not  the  flour ;  sixty  barrels 
were  required,  and  only  thirty  furnished.  The  embarkation 
commenced ;  but  was  delayed  by  circumstances,  so  as  not  to  be 
completed  until  after  day-light,  when  it  was  found,  the  regular 
infantry,  688  men,  the  artillery,  177  men,  colonel  Swift's  volun 
teers,  about  230,  six  companies  of  federal  volunteers,  amounting 
to  276  men,  about  100  militia,  of  colonel  Dobbins's  regiment,  and 
a  few  men  in  a  boat  with  Mr.  P.  B.  Porter,  contractor's  agent, 
who  was  to  pilot  the  enterprize,  had  embarked  ;  the  whole  on 
board,  without  the  commissioned  officers,  being  1500  men  ;  and  it 
was  now  two  hours  later  than  the  time  fixed  on  for  setting  out. 

There  were  some  groups  of  men  not  yet  embarked*  They 
were  applied  to,  requested,  and  ordered,  by  the  brigade  major,  to 
get  into  the  boats ;  they  did  not.  He  estimated  their  number  at 
150  :  it  was  probably  greater. 

It  then  became  a  question,  whether  it  was  expedient  to  invade 
Canada,  in  open  day -light,  with  1500  men,  at  a  point  where  no 
reinforcement  could  be  expected  for  some  days.  I  saw  the 


100 

her  of  regular  troops  was  declining  rapidly.    I  knew  that  ofl 
them  I  was  chiefly  to  depend. 

I  called  together  officers  commanding  corps  of  the  regular 
army.  Colonel  Parker  being  sick,  those  present  were  colonel 
Porter,  of  the  artillery,  colonel  Schuyler,  colonel  Winder,  and 
lieutenant  colonel  Coles.  I  put  to  them  this  question : — "  Shall  we 
now  proceed  ?"  They  unanimously  decided  that  we  ought  not. 
I  foresaw  that  the  volunteers,  who  had  come  out  for  a  few  days, 
would  disperse.  Several  of  them  had  on  the  evening  of  the  25th 
broken  their  muskets,  because  they  had  not  seen  a  battle ;  I 
foresaw  that  the  number  of  regular  troops  would  decrease  ;  the 
measles  had  affected  them  generally ;  the  constant  use  of  fresh 
meat  had  produced  dysenteries,  and  they  were  now  in  tents,  in 
the  month  of  December.  I  informed  the  officers,  that  the 
attempt  to  invade  Canada  would  not  be  made,  until  the  army  was 
reinforced,  and  directed  them  to  withdraw  their  troops,  and  cover 
them  with  huts  immediately.  The  volunteers  and  neighboring 
people  were  dissatisfied,  and  it  has  been  in  the  power  of  the 
contractor's  agent  to  excite  some  clamor  against  the  course  pur 
sued;  he  finds  the  contract  a  losing  one,  at  this  time,  and  would 
wish  to  see  the  army  in  Canada,  that 'he  might  not  be  bound  to 
supply  it. 

I  am  sorry  that  the  situation  of  the  force  under  my  command, 
had  not  been  such,  as  to  make  the  propriety  of  a  forward 
movement  obvious  to  all.  Circumstanced  as  we  were,  I  have 
thought  it  my  duty  to  follow  the  cautious  counsels  of  expe 
rience,  and  not  by  precipitation,  to  add  another  to  the  list  of  our 
defeats. 

You  will  perceive  my  motives  by  my  letter  of  the  30th  Octo 
ber,  wherein  I  said  "  I  would  cross  in  three  days,  if  I  had  the 
means ;  without  them,  it  would  be  injustice  to  the  nation  and 
myself,  to  attempt  it. — /  must  not  be  defeated." 

Allow  me  to  recommend  to  vour  attention,  and  that  of  the 
Secretary  of  War,  captain  W.  King  of  the  15th  regiment  infan 
try,  as  an  officer  of  the  first  class.  His  dauntless  bravery,  refined 
mind,  high  sense  of  honour,  and  ambition  to  distinguish  himself, 
render  him  a  fit  subject  for  promotion  ;  and  he  is  perhaps  the 
best  disciplinarian  in  the  army.  I  have  a  wife  and  children ;  I  have 
not  seen  them  for  fourteen  months ;  I  ask  permission  now  to 
visit  them. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be  yours,  &c. 
ALEXANDER  SMYTH, 

Brigadier  General. 

Major  General  Dearborn. 


101 

General  Smyth  to  a  committee  of  the  patriotic  citizens  of  the 
western  counties  of  New  Fork. 

CAMP  NEAR  BUFFALOE,  December  3d,  1812. 

GENTLEMEN, 

Your  letter  of  December  2d  is  before  me ;  and  I  answer  it 
in  the  following  manner : 

On  the  26th  October,  I  ordered  that  20  scows  sjhpnld  be  pre 
pared  for  the  transportation  of  artillery  and  civalr/,  arid  put  th'ti 
carpenters  of  the  army  upon  that  duty. 

By  the  26th  of  November,  10  scows  were  Completed,  ait*  l?y 
bringing  some  boats  from  lake  Ontario,  above  the  falls  of  Niagara, 
the  number  was  increased  to  seventy. 

I  had  on  the  26th  of  November,  issued  an  address  to  the  men 
of  New  York,  and  perhaps  300  had  arrived  at  Buftaloe.  I  pre 
sumed  that  the  regular  troops,  and  the  volunteers  under  colonels 
Swift  and  M'Clure,  would  furnish  2,300  men  for  duty  ;  and  of 
general  Tannehill's  brigade  (from  Pennsylvania)  reporting  a  total 
of  1,650,  as  many  as  413  had  volunteered  to  cross  into  Canada. 
My  orders  were  to  "  cross  with  3,000  men  at  once."  I  deemed 
myself  ready  to  fulfil  them. 

Preparatory  thereto,  on  the  night  of  the  27th  November,  I  sent 
over  two  parties,  one  under  lieutenant  colonel  Boerstler,  the  other 
under  captain  King,  with  whom  lieutenant  Angus,  of  the  navy,  at 
the  head  of  a  body  of  seamen,  united.  The  first  was  to  capture 
a  guard,  and  destroy  a  bridge  about  five  miles  below  fort  Erie  ;  the 
second  were  to  take  and  render  useless  the  cannon  of  the  ene 
my's  batteries,  and  some  pieces  of  light  artillery.  The  first 
party  failed  to  destroy  the  bridge ;  the  second,  after  rendering 
unserviceable  the  light  artillery,  separated  by  some  misapprehen 
sion.  Lieutenant  Angus,  the  seamen,  and  part  of  the  troops, 
returned  with  all  the  boats ;  while  captain  King,  captain  Morgan, 
captain  Sproul,  lieutenant  Houston,  and  about  sixty  men  remain 
ed.  The  party  thus  reduced,  attacked,  took,  and  rendered  unser 
viceable  two  of  the  enemy's  batteries,  captured  thirty-four  prison \ 
ers,  found  two  boats,  in  which  captain  King  sent  the  prisoners 
and  about  half  his  party  with  the  other  officers ;  he  himself 
remaining  with  30  men  whom  he  would  not  abandon. 

Orders  had  been  given,  that  all  the  troops  in  the  neighbourhood 
should  march,  at  revellie,  to  the  place  of  embarkation.  A  part 
of  the  detachment  sent  in  the  night  having  returned  and  excited 
apprehensions  for  the  residue,  about  250  men,  under  the  command  of 
colonel  Winder,  suddenly  put  off  in  boats  for  the  opposite  shore ; 
a  part  of  this  force  had  landed,  when  a  force  deemed  superior, 
with  one  piece  of  artillery,  was  discovered  ;  a  retreat  was  ordered ; 
and  colonel  Winder's  detachment  suffered  a  loss  of  six  killed  and 
nineteen  wounded,  besides  some  officers. 

The  general  embarkation  commenced  as  the  troops  arrived ;  but 
this  being  a  first  embarkation,  the  whole  of  the  scows  were  occu- 


102 

pied  by  about  one  third  of  the  artillery,  while  about  800  regular 
infantry,  about  200  twelve  month's  volunteers,  under  colonel  Swift, 
and  about  200  of  the  militia  who  had  volunteered  their  services 
for  a  few  days,  occupied  all  the  boats  that  were  ready,  the  troops 
then  embaked,  moved  up  the  stream  to  Black  Rock  without  loss ; 
they  were  ordered  to  disembark  and  dine. 

I  had  received  from  my  commanding  general  an  instruction 
fo  the  following:  words — "  In  all  important  movements  you  will,  I 
pvesume^<con^:oer  it  advisable  to  consult  some  of  your  principal 
<?ffieers."  I  deemed, this  equivalent  to  an  order;  and  the  move- 
/tae^t'impjprtaiit..  ,1  called  for  the  field  officers  of  the  regulars, 
and  twelve  'month's  volunteers  embarked.  Colonel  Porter  was 
not  found  at  the  moment.  These  questions  were  put — Is  it  expe 
dient  NOW  to  cross  over  ?  Is  the  force  we  have  sufficient  to  con 
quer  the  opposite  coast  ? 

The  first  question  was  decided  in  the  negative  by  colonel 
Parker,  colonel  Schuyler,  colonel  Winder,  lieutenant  colonel 
Boerstler,  lieutenant  colonel  Coles,  and  major  Campbell.  Colonel 
Swift,  of  volunteers,  alone  gave  an  opinion  for  then  crossing  over. 

The  second  question  was  not  decided.  Colonel  Parker,  colonel 
Schuyler,  lieutenant  colonel  Coles,  and  major  Campbell,  were 
decidedly  of  opinion  that  the  force  was  insufficient.  Colonel 
Winder,  colonel  Swift,  lieutenant  colonel  Boerstler,  and  captain 
Gibson,  deemed  the  force  sufficient. 

I  determined  to  pospone  crossing  over  until  more  complete 
preparation  would  enable  me  to  embark  the  whole  force  at  once, 
the  course  prescribed  by  my  orders.  The  next  day  was  spent  in 
such  preparation,  and  the  troops  were  ordered  to  be  again  at  the 
place  of  embarkation  at  8  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  the  30th 
November.  On  their  arrival  they  were  sent  into  the  adjacent 
woods,  there  to  build  fires,  and  remain  until  3  o'clock  in  the 
morning  of  the  1  st  of  December ;  when  it  was  intended  to  put 
off'  two  hours  before  day-light,  so  as  to  avoid  the  fire  of  the  ene 
my's  cannon  in  passing  the  position  which  it  was  believed  they 
occupied  below,  to  land  above  Chippcway,  assault  that  place,  and 
if  successful,  march  through  Queenstown  lor  Fort  George.  For 
this  expedition  the  contractor  was  called  on  to  furnish  rations  for 
2,500  men  for  four  days,  when  it  was  found  he  could  furnish  the 

C\  but  not  the  flour;  the  deputy  quarter  master  called  for  60 
els  and  got  but  30. 

The  embarkation  commenced,  but  was  delayed  by  circum 
stances  so  as  not  to  be  completed  until  after  day-light,  when  it  was 
found  the  regular  infantry,  688  men,  the  artillery,  177  men, 
Swift's  volunteers  estimated  at  23,  six  companies  of  federal 
volunteers  under  captains  Collins,  Phillips,  Allison,  Moore,  Ma 
ther  and  Marshall,  amounting  to  276  men,  commanded  by  lieu 
tenant  colonel  M'Clure,  100  men  of  colonel  Dobbin's  militia,  and 
a  few  men  in  a  boat  with  general  P.  B.  Porter,  had  embarked,  the 
whole  on  board  amounting,  exclusive  of  officers,  to  1,466  men,- 


103 

or  thereabouts,  and  it  was  now  two  hours  later  than  had  been 
contemplated. 

There  were  some  groups  of  men  not  yet  embarked ;  they  were 
applied  to,  requested,  and  ordered  by  the  brigade  major  to  get 
into  the  boats ;  they  did  not.  The  number  of  these  the  brigade 
major  estimated  at  about  150.  It  was  probably  greater. 

It  then  became  a  question,  whether  it  was  expedient  to  invade 
Canada  in  open  day-light,  with  1,500  men,  at  a  point  where  no 
reinforcements  could  be  expected  for  some  days.  I  saw  that  the 
number  of  regular  troops  was  declining  rapidly.  I  knew  that  on 
them  chiefly  I  was  to  depend. 

I  called  together  the  officers  commanding  corps  of  the  regular 
army.  Colonel  Parker  being  sick,  those  present  were,  colonel 
Porter  of  the  artillery,  colonel  Schuyler,  colonel  Winder,  and 
lieutenant  colonel  Coles. 

I  put  to  them  this  question :  shall  we  proceed  ?  They  unani 
mously  decided  that  we  ought  not. 

I  foresaw  that  the  volunteers,  who  had  come  out  for  a  few  days, 
would  disperse — several  of  them  had  on  the  evening  of  the  28th, 
broke  their  muskets.  I  foresaw  that  the  number  of  the  regular 
troops  would  decrease ;  measles,  and  other  diseases,  being  among 
them ;  and  they  were  now  in  tents,  in  the  month  of  December* 
I  informed  the  officers  that  the  attempt  to  invade  Canada  would 
not  be  made,  until  the  army  was  reinforced ;  directed  them  to 
withdraw  their  troops,  and  cover  them  with  huts  immediately. 

You  say  that  on  Saturday  every  obstruction  was  removed,  and 
that  a  landing  might  have  been  effected  "  without  the  loss  of  a  single 
man."  This  proves  you  unacquainted  with  the  occurrences  of 
the  day.  Colonel  Winder,  in  retiring  from  the  enemy's  shore  in 
the  morning,  lost  a  tenth  part  of  his  force,  in  killed  and  wounded. 
The  enemy  showed  no  more  than  5  or  600  men,  as  estimated  by 
colonel  Parker,  and  one  piece  of  artillery,  supposed  a  9  pounder. 
That  force,  we,  no  doubt,  might  have  overcome,  but  not  without 
loss ;  and  that,  from  the  great  advantage  the  enemy  would  have 
had,  might  have  been  considerable. 

To  recapitulate. — My  orders  were  to  pass  into  Canada  with 
3000  men  at  once.  On  the  first  day  of  embarkation  not  more 
than  1,400  men  were  embarked,  of  whom  400,  that  is,  half  of  the 
regular  infantry,  were  exhausted  with  fatigue,  and  want  of  rest.  On 
the  second  embarkation,  only  1,500  men  were  embarked,  and  these 
were  to  have  put  off  immediately,  and  to  have  descended  the  river 
to  a  point  where  reinforcements  were  not  to  be  expected.  On 
both  days  many  of  the  regular  troops  were  men  in  bad  health, 
who  could  not  have  stood  one  day's  march ;  who,  although  they 
were  on  the  sick  report,  were  turned  out  by  their  ardent  officers. 

The  affair  at  Queenstown  is  a  caution  against  relying  on  crowds, 
who  go  to  the  banks  of  Niagara,  to  look  at  a  battle  as  on  a  the* 
atrical  exhibition ;  who,  if  they  are  disappointed  at  the  sights, 


104 

break  their  muskets ;  or  if  they  are  without  rations  for  a  daVj 
desert.* 

I  have  made  you  this  frank  disclosure,  without  admitting  your 
authority  to  require  it,  under  the  impression  that  you  are  patriotic 
and  candid  men  ;  and  that  you  will  not  censure  me  for  follow 
ing  the  cautious  counsels  of  experience ;  nor  join  in  the  sense 
less  clamor  excited  against  me  by  an  interested  man. 

I  have  some  reason  to  believe  that  the  cautious  counsel  given 
by  the  superior  officers  of  my  command,  was  good.  From  desert 
ers,  we  learn  that  2,314  rations  are  issued  daily  on  the  frontiers 
on  the  British  side.  Captain  King,  prisoner  at  Fort  George,  writes 
to  an  officer  thus — "  tell  our  friends  to  take  better  care  of  them 
selves  than  it  appears  I  have  done." 

I  am,  gentlemen,  with  great  respect,  yours,  &c. 
ALEXANDER  SMYTH. 

Brigadier  General. 

To  Messrs.  George  M'Clure,  Lewis  Birdsall,  John  Griffin,  and  William  B. 
Rochester,  a  committee  from  the  patriotic  citizens  of  the  western  counties 
of  New  York. 

P.  S.  It  will  be  observed  that  the  force  ready  could  be  no  other 
wise  ascertained  than  by  an  actual  embarkation,  it  being  uncertain 
what  portion  of  the  volunteer  force  would  embark. 


CAMP,  ON  MISSISSINEWAY, 

Two  miles  above  Silver  Heels,  December  12th,  1812. 

DEAR  GENERAL, 

After  a  fatiguing  march  of  three  days  and  one  night  from 
Greenville,  1  arrived  with  the  detachment  under  my  command 
at  a  town  on  the  Mississinewa,  thought  by  the  spies  to  be  Silver 
Heel's  town ;  but  proved  to  be  a  town  settled  by  a  mixture  of 
Delaware  and  Miami  Indians. 

About  8  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  17th,  a  charge  was  made 
upon  the  town,  when  many  fled  over  the  river,  others  surrendered ; 
those  who  fled  made  resistance  after  crossing,  by  firing  across  the 
river.  Thirty-seven  prisoners  are  taken,  whom  I  shall  bring  in 
with  me,  including  men,  women  and  children ;  seven  warriors 
were  killed.  After  disposing  of  the  prisoners,  I  marched  a  detach 
ment  down  the  river,  and  burned  three  villages  without  resistance. 
I  then  returned  and  encamped  on  the  ground  where  stood  the  first 
village  attacked. 

This  morning  about  day -light,  or  a  little  before,  my  camp  was 
attacked  by  a  party  of  Indians  (the  number  unknown,  but  supposed 
to  be  between  2  and  300)  on  my  right  line,  occupied  by  major 

*  Six  hundred  of  general  Tannehill's  brigade  deserted  in  twenty-four 
hours.  A  court  martial  of  this  brigade  have  fined  a  man  twelve  and  an  half 
cents  for  the  crime  of  desertion ! 


105 

Ball's  squadron,  who  gallantly  resisted  them  for  about  three  quar,- 
ters  of  an  hour,  when  the  Indians  retreated,  after  being  most  gal 
lantly  charged  by  captain  Trotter,  at  the  head  of  his  troop  of  caval 
ry.  We  lost  in  the  first  action,  one  killed  and  one  wounded  (by 
accident  the  last) ;  in  the  action  of  this  morning,  we  have  eight 
killed  and  about  thirty-five  or  forty  wounded.  Not  having  yet 
gotten  a  report,  I  am  unable  to  state  the  number  exactly.  The 
Indians  have  lost  about  forty  killed,  from  the  discoveries  now 
made ;  the  spies  are  out  at  present  ascertaining  the  number.  I 
have  sent  to  Greenville  for  a  reinforcement,  and  send  you  this 
hasty  sketch.  A  detailed  report  shall  be  hereafter  made  known 
to  you,  noticing  particularly  those  companies  and  individuals  who 
have  distinguished  themselves  signally. 

I  anticipate  another  attack  before  I  reach  Greenville,  but  rest 
assured,  my  dear  general,  that  they  shall  be  warmly  received.  I 
have  a  detachment  composed  of  the  bravest  fellows,  both  officers 
and  soldiers,  in  the  world.  Our  return  will  be  commenced  this 
morning.  Among  our  killed,  I  have  to  deplore  the  loss  of  the 
brave  captain  Pierce.  Lieutenant  Waltz,  of  captain  Markle's 
troop  of  cavalry,  is  also  mortally  wounded.  Their  gallant  con 
duct  shall  be  noticed  hereafter. 

Yours,  with  the  greatest  respect  and  esteem, 

JOHN  B.  CAMPBELL, 
Lt.  Col  19th  Reg.  U.  S.  Infantry. 

General  W.  H.  Harrison, 

Commanding  N.  W.  army. 


GENERAL  P.  B.  PORTER  TO  THE  PUBLIC. 

In  the  Gazette  of  last  week,  I  promised  to  give  an  account  of 
some  of  the  most  prominent  transactions  of  the  28th  of  November 
and  1st  of  December.  Having  since  that  time,  received  from  gene 
ral  Smyth,  assurances,  which,  as  a  man  of  honor,  I  am  bound  to 
believe,  that  the  course  pursued  by  him  on  those  days,  was  such 
as  was  required  by  his  orders  and  instructions  from  the  Secretary 
of  War  and  general  Dearborn,  this  communication  will  assume 
a  character  quite  different  from  the  one  then  contemplated.  I  am 
pledged,  however,  to  the  public,  to  give  facts,  which  I  shall  pro 
ceed  to  do  without  comment ;  leaving  it  to  time  to  develope  the 
object  of  military  movements  which  have  appeared  to  me  and 
ethers  not  only  extraordinary,  but  inexplicable. 

On  the  27th  of  November  there  were  collected  at  this  point  a 
military  force  of  about  4,500  effective  men ;  consisting  of  regular 
troops,  New  York,  Pennsylvania,  and  Baltimore  volunteers,  all 
under  the  command  of  general  Smyth.  There  were  lying  at  the 

14 


106 

Navy  Yard  near  Black  Rock,  which  had  been  previously  prepared 
for  the  purpose  of  transporting  the  troops  across  the  river-— 
TO  public  boats  calculated  to  cany  40  men  each     ------    2800 

5  long1  boats  belonging-  to  individuals,  but  which  had  been  taken 

into  the  public  service,  calculated  to  carry  100  men  each  -    -       500 
10  scows  for  artillery,  and  25  men  each         -    -         -    -    -    •    -      250 

3550 


besides  a  number  of  small  boats. 

At  2  o'clock  on  that  day,  I  received  a  copy  of  general  Smyth's 
order  for  the  march  of  all  the  troops,  the  succeeding  morning  at 
revellie,  to  the  Navy  Yard,  to  embark  for  Canada.     I  immediately 
gave  orders  for  the  New  York  volunteers,  who  had  been  placed 
under  my  command,  to  parade  at  4  o'clock  in  the  morning  at  their 
encampment  about  one  and  a  half  miles  from  the  Navy  Yard. 
In  the  evening,  I  learnt  that  the  parties  mentioned  in  general 
Smyth's  despatch,  were  to  cross  the  river  at  11  o'clock  at  night, 
to  attack  the  enemy's  batteries  opposite  Black  Rock.     General 
Smyth  not  being  here,  I  waited  on  lieutenant  Angus,  and  suggest 
ed  to  him  the  propriety  (if  within  the  scope  of  his  orders)  of  post 
poning  the  enterprize  until  nearly  morning,  to  give  as  little  time 
as  possible,  before  the  passage  of  the  army,  for  the  enemy's  troops 
to  collect  from  their  stations  down  the  river.    They  landed  at  three 
in  the  morning,  under  a  severe  fire  of  musketry  and  grape  shot 
from  two  pieces  of  flying  artillery.     Lieutenant  Angus,  with  our 
little  band  of  sailors,  assisted  by"  captain  Craig  and  a  few  of  his 
party,  attacked  the  principal  force  of  the  enemy,  consisting  of 
about  100,  at  the  Red  House  (the  seamen  charging  with  their  pikes 
and  swords,  against  muskets  and  bayonets)  and  routed  them  in  all 
directions.     Captain  Dox,  who  took  a  distinguished  part  in  this 
affair,  was  severely  wounded.     After  a  hard  and  destructive  en 
gagement,  the   enemy  was  completely  dispersed,  the  two  field  „ 
pieces  spiked,  and  the  house  in  which  the  enemy  quartered,  fired. 
The  seamen  returned  to  our  shore,  bringing  off  their  wounded  and 
several  prisoners.     Out  of  12  naval  officers  who  embarked  in  this 
enterprize,  nine  of  them,  with  more  than  half  their  men,  were 
killed  or  wounded.     If  bravery  be  a  virtue,  if  the  gratitude  of  a 
country  be  due  to  those  who  gallantly  and  desperately  asserted  its 
rights,  the  government  will  make  ample  and  honourable  provision 
for  the  heirs  of  those  brave  tars  who  fell  on  this  occasion,  as  well 
as  for  those  who  survived.     Captain  King  proceeded  to  spike  and 
dismount  the  guns  in  the  batteries.     Lieutenant  colonel  Boerstler 
dispersed  the  enemy  lower  down  the  river,  taking  a  number  of 
prisoners. 


well  armed  and  provided,  and  in  high  spirits ;  about  150  more, 
who  came  in  the  evening  before,  were  at  Buffaloe  drawing  their 
arms  and  ammunition,  with  orders  to  join  us  as  soon  as  possible.  I 


107 

stationed  my  men  as  instructed  by  general  Smyth,  in  a  field  at  the 
Navy  Yard,  with  directions  to  wait  For  further  orders.  The  parties 
who  had  crossed  in  the  night,  aided  by  our  batteries,  which  at  day 
light  opened  a  powerful  and  well  directed  fire,  and  a  piece  of  light 
artillery  on  the  island,  under  charge  of  captain  Gibson,  had  driven 
every  thing  from  the  opposite  shore.  Colonel  Winder,  an  officer 
of  great  intelligence,  zeal  and  bravery,  under  the  mistaken  appre 
hension  that  the  party  under  lieutenant  colonel  Boerstler  were  in 
danger  of  being  cut  off,  made  an  unsuccessful  attempt  (though  his 
own  boat  landed)  to  land  250  men  at  a  difficult  point  down  the  river, 
and  had  returned  as  stated  by  general  Smyth.  The  general  em 
barkation  now  commenced,  but  it  went  on  so  tardily,  that  at  12 
o'clock,  the  whole  of  the  regular  troops,  and  colonel  S  wilt's  regiment, 
were  not  in  boats.  A  considerable  number  of  boats  were  lying  on  the 
shores  of  the  river  and  creek,  having  been  thrown  up  by  the  high  water 
of  the  preceding  day.  Several  were  in  the  creek  half  filled  with 
water  and  ice.  I  called  on  general  Smyth  and  proposed  to  occupy 
part  of  these  boats  with  my  volunteers,  many  of  whom  were 
impatient  to  embark.  Being,  however,  at  this  moment  informed 
by  colonel  Porter,  that  the  boats  which  had  been  used  by  colonel 
Winder  were  lying  about  a  mile  below,  major  Chapin  and  myself, 
with  about  30  men,  went  down  the  shore,  brought  up  five  boats, 
filled  them  with  men,  and  arrived  at  Black  Rock,  the  point  at 
which  it  was  proposed  to  put  off,  as  soon  as  any  of  the  regular 
troops.  About  2  o'clock,  all  the  troops,  which  it  appeared  were 
intended  to  be  crossed  at  first,  collected  in  a  group  of  boats  at 
Black  Rock  under  the  cover  of  our  batteries.  I  have  seen  no  offi 
cial  account  of  the  number  of  men  in  >the  boats.  My  opinion  was 
that  the  number  exceeded  2,000.  Most  men  of  observation  who 
were  present,  estimated  it  at  2,600;  the  men  were  in  fine  spirits, 
and  desirous  of  crossing. 

General  Tannehill's  volunteers,  colonel  F.  M'Clure's  regiment, 
some  riflemen,  cavalry,  &c.  amounting  to  about  2,000,  were  still 
paraded  on  the  shore,  and,  as  I  am  informed,  were  ready  to  cross. 
Several  boats  of  sufficient  capacity  to  carry  about  1000  men,  were 
still  lying  at  the  Navy  Yard  unoccupied.  I  have  not  been  able 
to  learn  that  any  order  or  request  was  made  for  the  embarkation 
of  the  troops,  other  than  the  regulars,  of  colonel  Swift's  regiment. 
The  enemy,  estimated  at  about  500,  were  drawn  up  in  a  line  about 
half  a  mile  from  the  river. 

After  remaining  in  the  boats  till  late  in  the  afternoon,  an  order 
was  received  to  disembark.  It  produced  among  the  officers  and 
men  generally  great  discontent  and  murmuring,  which  was,  how 
ever,  in  some  degree  allayed  by  assurances  that  the  expedition 
was  only  postponed  for  a  short  time,  until  our  boats  could  be  bet 
ter  prepared. 

On  Sunday  another  order  was  issued  by  general  Smyth,  for  the 
march  of  the  troops  to  the  Navy  Yard,  to  embark  at  9  o'clock  on 
Monday  morning.  I  was  at  Buffaloe  when  it  was  received,  and 
found  that  it  was  generally,  as  to  time  and  manner,  disapprayed 


108 

by  the  officers  of  the  volunteers.  I  saw  general  Smyth  in  the  even 
ing  at  Black  Rock,  with  colonel  Winder,  and  stated  my  objections 
to  his  plan.  The  enemy  had  remounted  his  guns  on  the  batteries, 
so  as  to  render  it  inexpedient  to  cross  at  the  favorable  point  whick 
had  been  taken  on  Saturday,  above  the  island  that  covers  the  Navy 
Yard.  Immediately  below  the  island,  the  enemy  lay  in  force, 
much  augmented  in  consequence  of  the  affair  of  Saturday,  occupy 
ing  a  line  of  shore  of  about  a  mile,  where  the  current  is  rapid,  and 
the  banks  abrupt.  I  did  not  believe  it  possible  to  effect  a  landing 
with  raw  troops,  in  any  tolerable  order,  if  at  all,  in  the  face  of  the 
flying  artillery  and  infantry,  which  a  full  view  of  our  movements 
in  the  day  time  would  enable  them  to  oppose  us.  I  proposed  to 
postpone  the  expedition  till  night — to  march  and  embark  the  troops 
silently — to  put  off  about  an  hour  and  a  half  before  day -light,  so  as 
to  pass  this  dangerous  line  of  shore  in  the  dark,  when  we  should 
suffer  less  from  their  fire,  and  to  land  about  five  miles  below  the 
Navy  Yard,  where  the  stream  and  the  banks  of  the  river  were  pe 
culiarly  favourable  to  a  safe  and  orderly  landing.  Colonel  Win 
der  seconded  with  great  earnestness  and  force,  and  it  was  adopted. 
The  army  was  to  embark  at  3  o'clock  on  Tuesday  morning,  and 
to  proceed  at  half  past  4,  according  to  the  order  of  a  line  of  battle 
submitted  a  few  days  before  by  general  Smyth ;  the  regulars  on 
the  right,  or  in  the  front  boat;  general  Tannehill's  troops  in  the 
centre,  and  the  New  York  volunteers  on  the  left.  I  \vas  to  go  in 
the  front  boat  with  a  chosen  set  of  men,  direct  the  landing,  and 
join  the  New  York  volunteers  on  their  arrival. 

On  Monday  evening,  seven  boats  for  colonel  Swift's  regiment, 
and  eight  for  the  late  volunteers,  were  brought  some  distance  up 
the  river,  and  left  at  different  points,  to  avoid  the  noise  and  con 
fusion  of  embarking  the  whole  army  at  one  place.  At  half  past 
Son  Tuesday  morning,  the  eight  boats  were  filled  with  volunteers 
(a  corps  of  which  has,  on  every  occasion  while  on  the  lines,  shown 
great  exactness  of  discipline,  promptitude  and  zeal  for  the  service,) 
had  embarked,  and  the  residue  were  embarking.  Not  a  man  of 
the  regular  infantry  was  in  the  boats  for  about  half  an  hour,  when 
colonel  Winder's  regiment  entered  their  boats  with  great  order 
and  silence. 

About  three  quarters  of  an  hour  after  this,  the  remaining  regu 
lars  commenced  the  embarkation,  when  I  dropped  down  to  the 
front  of  the  line,  with  a  flag  in  my  boat,  to  designate  it  as  the 
leading  boat.  I  was  accompanied  by  majors  Cyrenius  Chapin, 
and  John  W.  Macomb,  captain  Mills,  of  the  cavalry,  adjutant 
Chase,  and  quarter  master  Chapin,  two  pilots  and  about  25  volun 
teers  of  Buffaloe,  under  lieutenant  Haynes. 

I  mention  the  names  of  these  gentlemen,  because  they  had  be 
fore  decidedly  objected  to  passing  at  the  proposed  point  by  day 
light  ;  but  when  day  appeared,  and  one  of  the  men  raised  some 
difficulty  on  that  account,  he  was  induced  to  remain,  and  it  was* 
unanimously  agreed  to  incur  the  additional  hazard,  and  patiently 


109 

wait  the  order  of  the  general  to  put  off.  At  day-light  we  disco 
vered  the  troops  disembarking,  and  were  informed  that  the  inva 
sion  of  Canada  had  been  abandoned  for  this  season,  and  that  the 
troops  were  ordered  to  winter  quarters.  A  scene  of  confusion 
ensued,  which  it  is  difficult  to  describe — about  4000  men,  without 
order  or  restraint,  discharging  their  muskets  in  every  direction. 

About  1000  volunteers  came  in  under  general  Smyth's  procla 
mation,  but  owing  to  the  state  of  the  roads,  which  was  bad  beyond 
example,  many  did  not  arrive  until  after  the  1st  of  December. 

It  is  impossible  for  me  to  form  any  estimate  of  the  number  of 
troops  embarked  at  any  time  this  morning ;  it  was  yet  scarcely 
light,  and  I  was  at  one  end  of  a  line  of  boats  occupying  a  distance 
of  half  a  mile.  When  the  volunteers  first  arrived  at  the  navy 
yard,  and  it  was  found  that  the  regular  troops  had  not  yet  ap 
peared,  their  officers  were  instructed  to  permit  them  to  land  and 
keep  themselves  warm  by  exercise,  as  the  boats  were  covered  with 
snow  which  had  fallen  during  the  night ;  but  they  were  instructed 
not  to  leave  the  side  of  the  boats,  that  they  might  Nimmediately 
re-enter. 

PETER  B.  PORTER. 

Black  Rock,  December  14,  1812. 


HEAD  QUARTERS,  FRANKLINTON, 

January  3d,  1813. 

SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  enclose  you,  herewith,  the  official  report 
of  lieutenant  colonel  Campbell,  of  his  expedition  against  the 
Mississineway  towns,  of  the  25th  ultimo,  and  1st  instant.  I  am 
entirely  satisfied  with  the  colonel's  conduct,  and  beg  leave  to  re 
commend  him,  major  Ball,  and  the  rest  of  the  officers  and  soldiers 
of  the  detachment,  who  were  fortunate  enough  to  have  an  oppor 
tunity  of  distinguishing  themselves,  to  the  notice  of  the  president. 
I  will  venture  to  predict  that  colonel  Campbell's  future  career 
will  support  the  character  he  has  obtained  in  the  commencement 
of  his  military  service.  Major  Ball,  my  friend  and  associate  in 
general  Wayne's  army,  would  do  honour  to  any  service.  Lieu 
tenant  colonel  Simral  deserves  great  credit  for  the  excellent  dis 
cipline  of  his  regiment,  which  perhaps  equals  that  of  any  other 
regiment  of  light  dragoons  on  the  continent.  The  character  of 
major  M'Dowell  has  long  been  established  in  Kentucky  for  intre 
pidity.  At  an  age  when  most  men  retire  to  the  enjoyment  of  ease, 
this  hardy  veteran  solicits  every  post  of  difficulty,  fatigue  and 
danger,  with  the  ardour  of  a  youthful  warrior.  The  conduct  of 
the  other  officers  is  so  particularly  described  by  colonel  Campbell, 
that  it  is  unnecessary  for  me  to  repeat  them.  Knowing  each 
individual,  I  heartly  accord  in  the  sentiments  he  has  expressed  of 
their  merits.  There  is,  however,  a  circumstance  which  colonel 
Campbell  has  neglected  to  mention,  that  is  so  honourable  to  a  young 


110 

hero,  now  no  more,  as  well  as  to  the  army,  that  I  cannot  pass  if 
over.  Major  M'Dowell,  captain  Trotter,  and  captain  Kite,  have 
all  informed  me  that  lieutenant  Waltz,  of  captain  Markle's  troop 
of  volunteer  dragoons,  like  the  gallant  Spencer,  could  not  be 
brought  to  leave  his  post,  after  having  received  two  wounds,  one 
of  which  shattered  his  arm.  In  this  situation  he  was  moving  hi& 
horse  to  make  a  charge  when  a  ball  passed  through  his  head.  In 
short,  sir,  the  whole  detachment  have  redeemed  a  solemn  pledge 
given  to  me  at  the  moment  of  their  departure,  that  they  would 
obey  their  officers  and  support  the  character  of  American  soldiers.- 
I  have  the  honour  to  be  yours,  &c. 

WILLIAM  HENRY  HARRISON, 

Honourable  James  Monroe, 

acting  Secretary  of  War. 


(iNCLOSURE.) 

FORT  GREENVILLE,  December  25th,  1812. 

I  left  this  place  on  my  march  out,  on  the  14th,  with  600  rank 
and  file,  which  number  was  reduced  on  my  inarch  by  the  return 
of  some  who  became  sick.  My  first  order  of  march  was  in  five 
columns,  colonel  Simral's  regiment  in  two  on  the  left,  the  infantry 
in  one  on  the  centre,  and  major  Ball's  squadron  in  two  on  the 
right.  There  were  also  strong  front,  rear,  and  flank  guards,  who 
marched  at  a  distance  from  the  columns  of  from  two  to  four  hun 
dred  yards,  as  the  ground  would  permit. 

From  the  flank  guards  I  ordered  small  parties  occasionally  to 
examine  the  country  to  the  right  and  left,  and  report  to  me  whe 
ther  they  had  made  any  discoveries.  My  encampments  were  in 
a  square  form,  covering  ground  sufficient  to  embrace  the  horses 
within  the  first  line  of  fires,  without  being  crowded.  I  had  a  se 
cond  line  of  fires  made  around  the  camp  at  the  distance  of  sixtj 
yards,  outside  of  which,  and  opposite  to  each  angle  of  the  camp, 
a  redoubt  was  constructed,  in  which  the  guards  were  placed.  The 
want  of  axes  prevented  me  from  making  the  outer  fires  and  con 
structing  the  redoubts  as  well  as  I  wished.  I  had  one -third  of 
the  men  on  guard  every  night,  and  formed  a  chain  of  sentinels 
around  the  camp  so  close  that  the  enemy  could  not  possibly  pene 
trate  without  being  discovered.  At  day-light  each  morning  I  sent 
out  parties  to  patrole  it  at  a  considerable  distance  from  camp.  I 
found  it  necessary  in  a  day  or  two  to  vary  my  order  of  march* 
and  directed  the  infantry  and  riflemen  to  march  in  two  columns,, 
one  on  each  side  of  the  road.  The  pack  horses  and  baggage,  as 
also  the  detachment  staff,  in  the  road  between  them.  Major  Ball's 
squadron  in  four  columns,  on  the  right,  and  colonel  Simral's  regi 
ment  in  four  on  the  left.  The  flank  columns  served  as  guards? 


Ill 

In  this  way  I  found  I  marched  with  more  ease.  I  then  dispensed 
with  the  taps  of  the  drum  and  sound  of  the  trumpet,  which  in  mjr 
first  order  of  march  was  necessary.  I  further  ordered  tiiat  if  an 
attack  was  made  on  the  march  and  in  front,  the  troops  would  im 
mediately  form  in  order  of  battle  by  filing  up  on  the  left  and 
dressing  by  the  front  of  columns ;  if  on  either  flank,  the  flank 
column  would  face  outwards  and  make  resistance  until  reinforced  ; 
if  in  the  rear,  the  rear  guard  would  face  to  the  right-about  and 
make  resistance,  whilst  the  other  columns  would  file  up,  and 
wheeling  to  the  right-about,  form  in  succession  on  the  left  in  line, 
the  officers  leading  columns  taking  especial  care  to  march  at  suf 
ficient  distances  from  each  other,  to  form  in  line  in  open  order, 
dressing  by  the  centre.  If  the  attack  was  made  in  camp,  the 
troops  would  immediately  form  in  the  rear  of  their  fires,  which 
would  be  extinguished  as  soon  as  possible,  by  throwing  it  out  in 
front.  I  ordered  the  guards,  if  attacked,  to  stand  their  ground  as 
long  as  possible,  and  then  retreat  through  the  angle  of  the  camp 
nearest  them,  then  form,  defend  the  angle  if  attacked,  if  not,  to  wait 
for  orders.  These  formed  my  disposable  force.  The  weather, 
though  cold,  and  the  snow  deep,  was  however  well  calculated  to 
favor  our  enterprize,  and  I  determined  to  make  forced  marches  to 
avoid  if  possible  a  discovery.  On  the  march  I  occasionally  form 
ed  in  order  of  battle  to  accustom  the  troops  to  it.  They  formed 
with  the  utmost  celerity  and  in  good  order.  The  first  two  days 
I  marched  forty  miles — the  third  day  I  pushed  the  troops  as  much 
as  they  could  bear,  marched  the  whole  night,  although  excessively 
cold,  stopping  twice  to  refresh  and  warm.  This  day  and  night  we 
marched  forty  miles.  Early  in  the  morning  of  the  17th,  I  reached, 
undiscovered,  an  Indian  town  on  the  Mississineway,  inhabited  by  a 
mixture  of  Delawares  and  Miamies.  The  troops  rushed  into  the 
town — killed  eight  warriors  and  took  forty -two  prisoners,  eight 
of  whom  are  warriors,  the  residue  women  and  children.  1  ordered 
the  town  to  be  immediately  burnt,  a  house  or  two  excepted,  in 
which  I  confined  the  prisoners ;  and  I  ordered  the  cattle  and  other 
stock  to  be  shot.  I  then  left  the  infantry  to  guard  the  prisoners, 
and  with  Simral's  and  Ball's  dragoons,  advanced  to  some  Miami 
villages,  a  few  miles  lower  down  the  Mississinevvay,  but  found 
them  evacuated  by  all  but  a  sick  squaw,  whom  we  left  in  her 
house.  I  burnt  on  this  excursion  three  considerable  villages,  took 
several  horses,  and  killed  a  great  many  cattle,  and  returned  to  the 
town  I  first  burnt,  where  I  had  left  the  prisoners  and  encamped. 
My  camp  was  in  the  usual  form,  but  covered  more  ground  than 
common.  The  infantry  and  riflemen  were  on  the  front  line,  cap 
tain  Elliott's  company  on  the  right,  Buttler's  in  the  centre,  and 
Alexander's  on  the  left.  Major  Ball's  squadron  occupied  the  right 
and  one  half  of  the  rear  line,  colonel  Simral's  regiment  the  left 
and  other  half  of  the  rear  line.  Between  Ball's  right  and  Simral's 
left,  there  was  an  interval  which  had  not  been  tilled  up,  owing  to 
the  unusual  extent  of  ground  the  camp  embraced  it  having  been 


laid  oft*  in  my  absence  tc;  the  lower  towns.  I  now  began  to  deli 
berate  on  our  future  movements,  whether  to  go  on  further  encum 
bered  with  prisoners,  the  men  much  fatigued,  and  a  great  many 
severely  frost  bitten,  horses  suffering  from  the  want  of  forage,  which 
was  very  partially  relieved  by  the  scanty  supplies  of  corn  obtained 
in  the  towns,  or  return.  I  determined  to  convene  the  field  officers 
and  captains  of  the  detachment  to  consult,  and  then  to  take  such  a 
course  as  my  own  judgment  might  approve.  At  four  in  the  morn 
ing  of  the  8th,  I  ordered  to  be  beaten  the  revellie,  and  the  officers 
convened  at  my  fire  a  short  time  afterwards.  Whilst  we  were  in 
council,  and  about  half  an  hour  before  day,  my  camp  was  most  furi 
ously  attacked  by  a  large  party  of  Indians,  preceded  by,  and  ac 
companied  with,  a  most  hideous  yell.  This  immediately  broke  up 
the  council,  and  every  man  ran  to  his  post.  The  attack  commenced 
upon  that  angle  of  the  camp  formed  by  the  left  of  captain  Hopkin's 
troop  and  the  right  of  captain  Garrard,  but  in  a  few  seconds  be 
came  general  from  the  extremes  of  the  right  to  the  left  of  Ball's 
squadron.  The  enemy  boldly  advanced  to  within  a  few  yards  of  the 
lines  and  seemed  determined  to  rush  in.  The  guards  posted  at  the 
different  redoubts  returned  into  camp  and  dispersed  among  their  se 
veral  companies,  this  leavingme  without  a  disposable  force.  Captain 
Smith,  of  the  Kentucky  light  dragroons,  who  commanded  at  one  of 
the  redoubts,  in  a  handsome  and  military  manner,  kept  his  position 
until  ordered  in  to  fill  up  the  interval  in  the  rear  line  between  the 
regiment  and  squadron.  The  redoubt  at  which  captain  Pierce 
commanded,  was  first  attacked.  The  captain  maintained  his 
position  until  it  was  too  late  to  get  within  the  lines.  He  received 
two  balls  through  his  body  and  was  tomahawked.  He  died  brave 
ly,  and  much  lamented.  The  enemy  then  took  possession  of 
captain  Pierce's  redoubt,  and  poured  in  a  tremendous  fire  upon 
the  angle,  to  the  right  and  left  of  which  were  posted,  Hopkins'  and 
Garrard's  troops.  But  the  fire  was  as  warmly  returned ;  not  an 
inch  of  ground  was  yielded.  Every  man,  officer,  and  soldier, 
stood  firm,  and  animated  and  encouraged  each  other.  The  ene 
my's  fire  became  warm  on  the  left  of  the  squadron  at  which  captain 
Markle's  troop  was  posted,  and  the  right  of  Elliott's  company, 
which,  with  Markle's,  formed  an  angle  of  the  camp,  was  severely 
annoyed  by  the  enemy's  fire.  1  had  assisted  in  forming  the  infantry, 
composed  of  Elliott's  company  of  the  19th  United  States'  regiment, 
.Buttler's  Pittsburgh  blues,  and  Alexander's  Pennsylvania  riflemen, 
and  ordered  them  to  advance  to  the  brink  of  a  declivity  from  wliich 
they  could  effectually  defend  themselves  and  harrass  the  enemy, 
if  they  should  attempt  an  attack  on  that  line.  This  however  they 
thought  proper  to  omit.  Whilst  1  was  thus  engaged,  Major  Ball 
rode  up  to  me  and  observed,  he  was  hard  pushed  and  must  be  re 
lieved,  I  galloped  immediately  to  the  left  wing  with  an  intention 
of  ordering  captain  Trotter's  troop  to  reinforce  the  squadron,  but 
was  there  informed  that  the  enemy  were  seen  approaching  in 
that  direction,  and  believing  it  improper  on  second  thoughts  to 


113 

detach  so  large  a  troop  from  the  line,  which  also  covered  an  angle 
of  the  camp.  I  determined  to  give  the  relief  from  the  infantry. 
I  wheeled  my  horse  and  met  major  M'Dowell,  who  observed  that 
the  spies  and  guides  under  the  command  of  captain  Paterson 
Bain,  consisting  of  ten  men,  were  unemployed.  We  rode  there 
together,  and  ordered  captain  Bain  to  the  support  of  the  squadron. 
Seven  of  them,  to  wit :  James  Audrain,  William  Conner,  Silas 
M'Cullough,  James  Thompson,  James  Naggs,  John  Ruland,  and 
Joseph  G.  M'Clelland,  followed  their  brave  leader  and  rendered 
most  effectual  assistance.  I  then  ordered  captain  Buttler  with 
the  Pittsburgh  blues  to  repair  immediately  to  reinforce  the  squa 
dron,  and  directed  captains  Elliott  and  Alexander  to  extend  to  the 
right  and  left,  and  fill  the  interval  occasioned  by  the  withdrawal 
of  the  blues.  Captain  Buttler,  in  a  most  gallant  manner  and 
highly  worthy  of  the  name  he  bears,  formed  his  men  immediately 
in  excellent  order,  and  marched  them  to  the  point  to  which  he  was 
ordered.  The  alacrity  with  which  they  formed  and  moved  was 
never  excelled  by  any  troops  on  earth.  Hopkins  made  room  for 
them  by  extending  his  troop  to  the  right.  The  blues  were  scarce 
ly  at  the  post  assigned  them,  before  I  discovered  the  effects 
they  produced.  A  well  directed  fire  from  them  and  Hopkins's 
dragoons  nearly  silenced  the  enemy  in  that  quarter.  They  moved 
in  force  to  the  left  of  the  squadron,  and  right  of  the  infantry  at 
which  captains  Markles  and  Elliott's  companies  were  posted. 
Here  again  they  were  warmly  received.  Lieutenant  Guynne  and 
ensign  Batteal  Harrison  boldly  stood  their  ground,  and  fired 
obliquely  on  the  enemy.  Those  two  young  officers  in  a  particular 
manner  signalized  themselves  and  shed  a  lustre  on  the  19th. 
Captain  Elliott  and  lieutenant  Campbell  were  on  the  left  of  the 
company  and  were  not  engaged.  Serjeant  Levitt,  quarter  master 
Serjeant  to  the  19th  United  States'  regiment,  deserves  particular 
notice  for  his  bravery.  At  this  time  day-light  began  to  dawn. 
I  then  ordered  captain  Trotter,  whose  troop  had  been  ordered  by 
colonel  Simral  to  mount  for  the  purpose,  to  make  a  charge.  The 
captain  cried  out  to  his  men  to  follow  him,  and  thev  tilted  off  at 
full  gallop.  Captain  Trotter's  first  lieutenant  with  eighteen  of 
the  men  were  on  guard.  Lieutenant  Trotter,  cornet  Dishman, 
and  the  residue  of  the  troop,  together  with  lieutenant  Hobson  and 
four  men  of  Elmore's  troop,  doctor  Moore  and  a  few  other  gentle 
men,  including  Mr.  Thomas  Moore,  my  private  secretary,  ad 
vanced  gallantly,  and  charged  a  numerous  body  of  the  enemy. 
Major  M'Dowell,  with  a  small  party,  rushed  into  the  midst  of  the 
enemy  and  exposed  himself  very  much.  I  cannot  say  too  much 
for  this  gallant  veteran.  Captain  Markle,  with  about  fifteen  of  his 
troop,  and  lieutenant  Warrens,  also  made  a  daring  charge  upon 
the  enemy.  Captain  Markle  avenged  the  death  of  his  relation, 
lieutenant  Waltz,  upon  an  Indian  with  his  own  sword.  Captain 
Trotter  and  his  troop,  captain  Markle  and  his  little  band,  per 
formed  a  most  dangerous  duty  in  the  bravest  manner.  Captain 
15  ' 


114 

/ 

Trotter  menfions  to  me  as  worthy  of  particular  notice,  Robert 
Mitchell,  a  wagoner  who  had  volunteered  for  the  expedition. 
Christian  Willman,  trumpeter  to  colonel  Simral's  regiment,  who 
blew  two  charges  and  hewed  down  an  Indian  with  his  sword. 
William  Montgomery,  serjeant  major  to  the  regiment  of  Ken 
tucky  light  dragoons,  was  in  the  charge  and  distinguished  himself, 
as  well  as  in  the  skirmish  the  day  before.  In  this  charge,  captain 
Trotter  was  wounded  slightly,  corporal  Riddle  shot  through  the 
body,  David  Stule  wounded  in  the  thigh  slightly,  and  the  brave 
Piatt  received  his  mortal  wound,  being  shot  through  the  body  and 
hand.  Fearing  that  captain  Trotter  might  be  too  hard  pressed, 
I  ordered  captain  Johnson,  of  the  Kentucky  light  dragoons,  to 
advance  with  his  troop  to  support  him.  I  found  Johnson  ready  ; 
and  colonel  Simral  reports  to  me  that  all  his  other  captains,  to 
wit :  Elmore,  Young  and  Smith,  were  anxious  to  join  in  the  charge. 
But  I  called  for  only  one  troop.  The  colonel  had  the  whole  in 
excellent  order.  Captain  Johnson  did  not  join  Trotter  until  the 
enemy  was  out  of  reach.  He  however  picked  up  a  straggler  or 
two  that  Trotter  had  passed  over.  The  cavalry  returned  and 
informed  me  the  enemy  had  fled  precipitately.  I  have  on  this 
occasion  to  lament  the  loss  of  several  brave  men,  and  a  great 
many  wounded  ;  among  the  former,  are  captain  Pierce  of  the  Ohio 
volunteers,  and  lieutenant  Waltz,  of  Markle's  troop.  From  the 
enclosed  list  you  will  see  the  names  and  numbers  of  the  killed 
and  wounded.  Eight  being  killed  and  forty-eight  wrounded,  two 
of  whom  are  since  dead.  The  enemy  paid  dearly  for  their  teme 
rity.  From  the  trails  through  the  snow,  and  those  found  dead, 
we  could  not  have  killed  less  than  thirty,  which  with  those  killed 
the  day  before,  amounts  to  thirty-eight.  The  enemy  did  not  take 
a  scalp.  The  Indian  who  killed  captain  Pierce,  attempted  to 
scalp  him,  but  was  killed.  Major  Ball  informs  me  that  he  can 
say  with  confidence,  that  there  never  were  officers  and  soldiers 
who  displayed  more  cool,  firm,  and  soldierly  conduct,  than  those 
of  his  squadron 

The  zeal,  activity  and  courage  displayed  by  captain  Hopkins 
and  his  officers,  (captain  M'Clelland  and  cornet  Herod,  of  the 
Pennsylvania  volunteers,  having  been  attached  to  him)  did  not 
fail  to  arrest  his  attention,  and  met  his  fullest  approbation.  Lieu 
tenant  Hedges  received  a  slight  wound  on  the  nose.  Captain 
Garrard's  troop  sustained  the  action  at  that  point  where  it  raged 
with  greater  violence  for  some  time  after  its  commencement,  than 
at  any  other  (except  upon  the  left)  with  the  firmness  of  veterans ; 
while  the  officers  were  unceasingly  employed  in  stimulating  and 
encouraging  their  men.  Lieutenant  Basey  and  Hickman  were 
both  wounded  early,  but  performed  their  duty  in  the  line  to  the 
close  of  the  action.  Cornet  M'Clanahan,  quarter  master  to  the 
detachment,  was  equally  active  in  the  line  with  the  other  officers 
of  the  troop.  Quarter  master  serjeant  Strother  J.  Hawkins,  who 
Had  no  other  fire  arms,  loaded  and  fired  his  pistol  several  times  at 


115 

the  enemy,  and  many  others,  similarly  situated,  used  their  pistols 
as  fast  as  they  could  load  them. 

Young  Mr.  Baylor  placed  himself  a  little  in  front  of  the  line 
and  fought  bravely  during  the  action.  Lieutenant  Warren's  and 
cornet  Lee's  detachments  behaved  with  great  firmness  and  used 
their  pistols  and  carabines  to  the  best  advantage.  Cornet  Grear 
(of  Warren's)  was  wounded  in  the  arm,  but  remained  some  time 
afterwards  in  the  line.  Captain  Markle's  troop,  as  I  have  before 
stated,  was  situated  upon  the  left  of  the  squadron  and  most  sorely 
galled.  Lieutenant  Waltz  fell  most  gallantly.  There  never  were 
men  who  sustained  so  heavy  an  action  with  more  firmness ;  but 
one  sentiment  pervaded  the  whole,  and  victory  or  death  was  most 
obstinately  determined  upon.  Colonel  Simral's  regiment,  although 
not  engaged,  with  the  exception  of  Trotter's  troop,  were  all  ready 
and  panting  to  engage.  The  colonel  deserves  the  highest  applause 
for  his  excellent  disposition  during  the  action,  and  for  his  cool, 
firm,  and  deliberate  conduct.  To  major  Ball  the  greatest  praise 
is  due  for  his  bravery  and  activity  during  the  action.  No  man 
could  have  done  more.  He  informs  he  was  greatly  aided  through 
out  the  progress  of  the  action  by  the  exertions  of  lieutenant  and 
adjutant  Fullerton,  and  Serjeant  major  Edwards.  I  must  now- 
mention  in  the  highest  terms  of  approbation,  lieutenant  Payne,  of 
the  Kentucky  light  dragoons,  who  acted  as  my  adjutant  on  the 
expedition,  for  his  great  activity,  attention  to  duty,  and  gallantry 
during  the  action.  He  rendered  the  most  essential  services.  My 
extra  adjutant,  captain  Hite,  was  very  active  and  as  brave  as  a 
lion.  I  always  found  him  ready  for  any  service  I  had  for  him  to 
perform.  Captain  •  of  the  Ohio  volunteers,  marched  with 
me  from  this  place  as  a  private  in  the  ranks,  and  in  the  action 
killed  an  Indian.  He  deserves  my  particular  notice.  Captain 
Alexander,  with  his  riflemen,  were  on  the  left  of  the  front  line, 
and  not  engaged,  but  were  all  ready  if  an  opportunity  had 
offered.  Beverly  Brown  and  Thomas  Bedford,  of  captain  Gar- 
rard's  troop,  and  Francis  Lousong,  of  the  blues,  were  killed  fight 
ing  bravely  in  exposed  situations.  I  have  now,  my  dear  sir, 
detailed  to  you  the  particulars  of  an  engagement  bravely  fought, 
and  victory  gloriously  won,  after  contending  most  warmly  for  at 
least  an  hour.  From  the  length  of  our  line  simultaneously  at 
tacked  by  them,  I  am  persuaded  there  could  not  have  been  less 
than  300  of  the  enemy.  They  fought  most  bravely.  My  strength 
on  the  morning  of  the  action  was  about  590  rank  and  file,  a  consi-. 
derable  proportion  of  whom,  amounting  to  at  least  forty  or  fifty, 
were  almost  rendered  unfit  for  duty  by  the  severity  of  the  weather. 
Some  were  so  badly  frost-bitten  as  to  be  scarcely  able  to  walk; 
There  never -was  severer  service  performed  by  any  troops,  and 
yet  there  is  not  a  murmur.  Reports  made  to  me  yesterday 
morning  informs  of  303,  who  are  so  severely  frost-bitten  as  to  be 
entirely  unfit  for  duty.  On  my  march  back  I  was  compelled  to 
move  slowly  on  account  of  the  wounded,  17  ef  whem  we  had  to 


116 

carry  on  litters.  I  kept  the  troops  always  ready  to  meet  aa 
attack  which  I  daily  and  nightly  expected,  until  I  reached  this 
place.  I  fortified  my  camp  every  night  by  a  breast  work,  which 
kept  us  very  busily  engaged.  The  scarcity  of  axes  Mas  now 
most  sensibly  felt.  I  have  informed  you  how  I  advanced  into  the 
enemy's  country.  My  return  was  much  in  the  same  manner.  I 
determined  to  be  always  ready,  to  avoid  surprises  and  falling  into 
ambuscades.  I  assure  you  the  responsibility  attached  to  thia 
command  I  most  seriously  felt.  Being  young  in  service  and 
inexperienced  I  felt  great  diffidence  in  accepting  this  command. 
I  however  hope  my  conduct  will  meet  your  approbation.  I  shall 
hasten  to  join  you,  but  it  will  take  the  troops  some  time  to  recruit 
and  heal.  Some  will  lose  their  toes;  others'  feet  are  so  swollen 
as  not  to  be  able  to  put  on  their  shoes.  The  night  march  was 
most  severe  upon  them. 

I  met  major  Adams  with  95  men  on  my  return,  about  forty  miles 
from  this  place,  with  a  supply  of  provisions.  This  came  most 
seasonably.  Some  companies  were  entirely  without.  Hopkins's 
had  eat  nothing  for  three  days.  That  night  I  should  have  order 
ed  a  horse  to  be  killed.  The  greatest  praise  is  due  major  Adams 
for  his  promptitude  in  relieving  us.  My  express  arrived  here  on 
Saturday  evening,  and  Tie  started  on  Sunday  morning.  The 
next  day  I  met  colonel  Holt,  from  Dayton,  with  additional  sup 
plies.  Through  the  whole  of  this  expedition  we  were  certainly 
favoured  by  Divine  Providence.  The  weather,  though  severe,  was 
favourable  to  the  enterprize.  The  snow  enabled  us  to  ascertain 
whether  we  were  discovered.  The  moon  gave  light  all  the  night, 
and  on  our  return  the  water  courses  were  blocked  up  by  ice  ;  there 
was  not  a  drop  of  rain.  Such  a  concatination  of  favourable  cir 
cumstances  rarely  happens.  The  Indian  prisoners  I  will  send  off' 
to-morrow  to  Piqua  to  the  care  of  Mr.  Johnson,  escorted  by  an 
officer  and  20  troops  from  this  place.  The  few  lines  I  wrote  you 
from  the  battle  ground  I  find  in  some  particulars  to  be  incorrect, 
not  having  at  that  time  full  reports  of  the  wounded.  My  prisoners 
are  also  more  than  I  then  represented.  I  think,  sir,  that  you  may 
assure  the  government  that  the  battle  of  Mississineway  was  not 
badly  fought,  and  that  the  enemy  suffered  severely.  That  the 
troops  deserve  well  of  their  country,  and  their  losses  ought  to  be 
compensated.  The  number  of  horses  killed  were  considerable, 
and  I  have  no  doubt  they  saved  the  lives  of  a  great  many  men. 
I  hope  to  overtake  you  before  Maiden  falls. 

I  have  learned  since  my  return  that  general  Hopkins  had  re 
turned  to  Vincennes  after  burning  some  Indian  villages,  and 
driving  them,  supposed  to  be  300  in  number,  up  the  Wabash.  This 
still  made  my  situation  more  perilous,  and  I  shall  not  be  surprised 
to  learn  that  Tecumseh  commanded  in  the  action  against  me. 
Let  him  be  who  he  may  he  was  a  gallant  fellow,  and  maneuvered 
well.  Conner  thinks  it  was  Little  Thunder  (nephew  to  the  Little 
Turtle)  from  his  loud  voice,  which  he  knew.  He  heard  him 


117 

ordering  his  men  in  the  Miami  language  to  rush  on,  that  they 
would  soon  retreat.  I  think,  sir,  the  Kentucky  cavalry  will 
scarcely  be  in  a  situation  to  render  you  much  more  service.  Their 
losses  in  horses  are  considerable,  and  one  hundred  and  thirty-eight 
frost  bitten  severely.  They  are  fine  fellows  with  a  few  exceptions, 
and  as  brave  as  any  men  in  the  world.  Captain  Prince  is  here 
very  sick,  and  was  unable  to  get  on  with  us  ;  this  was  to  me  a 
great  loss. 

I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  &c. 

JOHN  B.  CAMPBELL, 

Lieut.  Col.  19th  U.  S.  regiment. 
His  Excellency 

Gen.  Wilh'am  Henry  Harrison, 

Commander  in  chief  N.  W.  army. 

In  the  battle  of  the  18th,  and  skirmish  of  the  17th,  were  killed  10,— 
wounded  48. 


(iNCLOSURE.) 

DAYTON,  January  1st,  1813, 

MY  DEAR  SIB, 

In  my  report  to  you  of  the  25th  ultimo,  from  fort  Greenville, 
I  omitted  to  notice  some  circumstances  and  individuals,  inadvert 
antly,  which  and  who  are  as  highly  worthy  of  notice,  as  most  of 
those  I  have  already  detailed.  I  must,  therefore,  in  the  most  spe 
cial  manner,  mention  Mr.  James  Bradshaw,  captain  Lewis  Kite, 
and  Mr.  Silas  M'Cullough,  who  tendered  their  services  to  me  on 
the  battle  ground,  to  carry  intelligence  to  Greenville  of  our  situa 
tion,  and  request  a  reinforcement  of  men,  and  a  supply  of  provi 
sions.  This  dangerous  and  fatiguing  service  they  performed  in  the 
most  prompt  and  expeditious  manner.  In  twenty -two  hours  they 
travelled  upwards  of  eighty  miles  without  resting,  except  a  few 
minutes,  twice  to  feed  their  horses,  and  reached  Greenville  worn 
down  with  fatigue.  At  Greenville,  in  assisting  to  forward  supplies, 
their  conduct  merits  the  highest  praise.  I  must  also  mention  by  name, 
lieutenants  Magee  and  Irvin,of  the  Pittsburg  blues,  whose  cool  de 
liberate  bravery  was  observed  amidst  the  hottest  fire  of  the  enemy, 
and  I  regret  extremely  that  those  young  gentlemen  who  highly 
merited  distinction,  should  have  been  pretermitted  in  my  first  report. 
I  made  a  mistake  in  stating  that  captain— —was  abandoned 
by  half  his  guard ;  only  one  or  two  went  in  for  part  of  their  arms, 
whilst  the  rest  remained  with  their  companions,  and  upon  enquiry, 
were  found  to  have  behaved  well.  Captain  Smith  was  aided  in  his 
excellent  disposition  at  the  redoubt  he  commanded,  by  lieutenants 
Adams  and  Fishel,  whose  names  and  bravery  are  synonimous  terms. 
Adjutant  Guy  and  quarter  master  Hite,  of  the  Kentucky  light 


118 

dragoons,  are  two  fine  young  men,  and  were  actually  employed  on 
the  morning  of  the  battle. 

I  am,  sir,  with  great  respect,  yours,  &c. 
JOHN  B.  CAMPBELL, 

Lieut.  Col.  19th  U.  8.  regiment. 
His  excellency  Gen.  Harrison. 


UNITED  STATES'  FRIGATE  CONSTITUTION, 

St.  Salvador,  January  3d,  1813. 
SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  inform  you,  that  on  the  29th  ultimo,  at 
2  P.  M.  in  south  latitude  13,06,  and  west  longitude  38,  10  leagues 
distance  from  the  coast  of  Brazils,  I  fell  in  with  and  captured  his 
Britannic  majesty's  frigate  Java,  of  49  guns,  and  upwards  of  400 
men,  commanded  try  captain  Lambert,  a  very  distinguished  officer. 
The  action  lasted  one  hour  and  fifty -five  minutes,  in  which  time 
the  enemy  was  completely  dismasted,  not  having  a  spar  of  any 
kind  standing.  The  loss  on  board  the  Constitution,  was  nine 
killed  and  25  wounded,  as  per  enclosed  list.  The  enemy  had  60 
killed  and  101  wounded,  certainly,  (among  the  latter — captain 
Lambert,  mortally)  but  by  the  enclosed  letter,  written  on  board 
the  ship,  (by  one  of  the  officers  of  the  Java)  and  accidentally  found, 
it  is  evident  that  the  enemy's  wounded  must  have  been  much 
greater  than  as  above  stated,  and  who  must  have  died  of  their 
wounds  previously  to  their  being  removed.  The  letter  states  60 
killed  and  170  wounded. 

For  further  details  of  the  action,  I  beg  leave  to  refer  you  to  the 
enclosed  extracts  from  my  journal.  The  Java  had  in  addition  to 
her  own  crew  upwards  of  one  hundred  supernumerary  officers 
and  seamen,  to  join  the  British  ships  of  war  in  the  East  Indies : 
also,  lieutenant  general  Hislop,  appointed  to  the  command  of 
Bombay,  major  Walker  and  captain  Wood,  of  his  staff,  and  cap 
tain  Marshall,  master  and  commander  in  the  British  navy,  going 
to  the  East  Indies  to  take  command  of  a  sloop  of  war  there. 

Should  I  attempt  to  do  justice,  by  representation,  to  the  brave 
and  good  conduct  of  all  my  officers  and  crew,  during  the  action., 
I  should  fail  in  the  attempt ;  therefore,  suffice  it  to  say,  that  the 
whole  of  their  conduct  was  such  as  to  merit  my  highest  enco 
miums.  I  beg  leave  to  recommend  the  officers  particularly  to  the 
notice  of  government,  as  also  the  unfortunate  seamen  who  were 
wounded,  and  the  families  of  those  men  who  fell  in  the  action. 

The  great  distance  from  our  own  coast,  and  the  perfect  wreck 
we  made  the  enemy's  frigate,  forbid  every  idea  of  attempting  to 
take  her  to  the  United  States ;  and  not  considering  it  prudent  t« 
trust  her  into  a  port  of  Brazils,  particularly  St.  Salvador,  as  you 
will  perceive  by  the  enclosed  letters,  No.  1,  2  and  3,  I  had  no 
alternative  but  burning  her,  which  I  did  on  the  31st  ultimo,  after 


teceiving  all  the  prisoners  and  their  baggage,  which  was  very  te 
dious  work,  only  having  one  boat  left  (out  of  eight)  and  not  one 
left  on  board  the  Java. 

On  blowing  up  the  frigate  Java,  I  proceeded  to  this  place,  where 
I  have  landed  all  the  prisoners  on  their  parole,  to  return  to  Eng 
land,  and  there  remain  until  regularly  exchanged,  and  not  serve 
in  their  professional  capacities  in  any  place  or  in  any  manner 
whatever,  against  the  United  States  of  America,  until  the  ex 
change  shall  be  effected. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

W.  BAINBR1DGE, 
The  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 


ALBANY,  January  5th,  1813. 
ESTEEMED  SIR, 

I  deem  it  a  duty  I  owe  to  you  and  to  myself,  to  state  in 
detail  the  conduct  or  my  command  in  the  expedition  against 
Queenstown,  Upper  Canada,  on  the  13th  of  October  last,  which 
I  now  readily  embrace,  having  been  informed  last  evening  that  I 
was  exchanged. 

I  arrived  at  the  old  encampment,  Lew  stown,  on  the  morning  of 
the  13th  of  October,  between  4  and  5  o'clock  from  fort  Niagara, 
with — 

Captains  Machesny  and  Nelson,  >        £.7          T  /, 

Lieutenants  Wendell  and  Buck!  £       6th  rog.  Infantry. 

Captain  Morris,  Lieutenants  Turner  and  Phelps,  15th  do. 
Lieutenants  Clark,  M'Carty  and  Whiting,  23d  do. 
Lieutenant  Bayly,  of  the  3d  regiment  United  States'  artillery, 
acting  adjutant,  and  250  non-commissioned  officers  and  privates, 
all  in  high  spirits  and  anxious  for  the  field.  I  reported  and  received 
orders  to  repair  to  the  old  French  ferry,  and  was  there  informed 
that  there  were  no  boats.  Lieutenant  colonels  Fen  wick  and  Chris 
tie  had  a  short  conversation  at  the  ferry,  and  I  was  ordered  by  the 
former  to  "  countermarch  my  men."  At  this  time,  firing  com 
menced  at  Queenstown,  and  a  cry  of  help !  help !  reinforcement ! 
reinforcement !  was  heard  from  our  advanced  party.  I  was  at  this 
moment  informed  that  there  were  a  few  boats,  but  neither  boatmen 
nor  pilots.  I  immediately  repaired  to  the  river,  and  in  marching 
towards  the  shore,  one  of  my  best  officers,  captain  Nelson,  received 
a  musket  ball,  at  the  head  of  his  company,  in  the  abdomen,  which 
caused  his  death.  The  enemy  directed  an  incessant  and  heavj 
fire  of  grape  and  canister  from  their  batteries,  and  a  steady  street 
firing  from  their  muskets  towards  the  ferry,  to  prevent  our  embark 
ation  ;  notwithstanding,  1  persisted,  followed  by  my  brave  men, 
under  the  most  discouraging  auspices.  Three  boats  were  imme 
diately  filled;  colonel  Fenvvick  gallantly  embarked  in  the  third 
boat.  On  finding  the  enemy's  fire  extremely  galling,  I  commenced 


120 

&  brisk  fire  From  my  boat  in  order  to  divest  my  men  from  the  fire 
of  the  enemy,  which  had  an  excellent  effect,  and  our  dropping 
down  the  river,  by  the  rapidity  of  the  current,  was  taken  for  a  man- 
ouvre  to  effect  a  landing  below  the  town,  for  the  purpose  of  storming 
the  north  battery  and  of  attacking  the  enemy  from  the  rear.  At 
this  moment,  the  enemy  then  engaged  with  the  storming  party,  broke 
in  disorder,  when  general  Brock,  endeavouring  to  rally  them,  was 
killed,  and  his  aid  mortally  wounded.  In  the  retreat  of  the  enemy, 
lieutenant  colonel  Fenwick  and  all  in  his  boat*  were  made  pri 
soners,  also  lieutenant  Clarke,  and  about  forty  men.  I  must  inevi 
tably  have  shared  the  same  fate,  did  I  not  hazard  re-crossing  under 
all  their  fire,  and  which  I  effected  without  losing  a  man.  I  seized 
the  boat  that  drifted  from  colonel  Fenwick's  party,  put  some  of 
my  wounded  into  it  with  five  volunteers,  who  declared,  desperate 
as  the  alternative  was,  they  should  not  surrender — four  of  whom 
were  my  own  men,  and  the  fifth  a  doctor  Lawson,  of  Philadelphia, 
a  truly  brave  man,  met  accidentally  on  the  shore.  By  this  time, 
captain  Machesny,  gaining  experience  by  my  misfortune,  effected 
a  landing  higher  up  the  river  and  ascended  the  heights  of  Queens- 
town  in  time  to  secure  the  victory  obtained  by  the  valour  of  the 
storming  party.  On  my  arrival  at  Lewistown,  I  ordered  a  ser- 
jeant  to  collect  such  of  the  detachment  as  did  not  previously 
cross.  I  repaired  to  fort  Gray  and  informed  lieutenant  Rees,  of  the 
3d  artillery,  who  commanded  there,  that  his  shot  was  lost  for  want 
of  elevation.  I  returned  and  re-crossed  with  25  men.  On  my 
arrival  at  the  first  battery,  I  was  informed  that  a  number  of  my 
men  were  still  at  Lewistown.  I  crossed  again  in  search  of  an  of 
ficer  to  collect  them,  found  one,  gave  him  necessary  orders,  and 
had  the  honour  of  accompanying  you,  sir,  being  the  fifth  time  I 
passed  over  that  river  that  day.  I  then  took  a  command  in  the 
engagement  against  the  Indians  and  militia,  whom  we  drove  into 
the  woods,  a  service  which  was  repeated  preparatory  to  the  ar 
rival  of  the  British  reinforcement.  Our  men  were  paraded; 
lieutenant  colonel  Christie  had  sixty  in  his  division,  and  I  had 
sixty-five  in  mine,  with  117  militia,  officers  included;  we  had 
captain  Gibson  and  one  piece  of  ordnance  with  nine  rounds  for 
it.  This  was  our  whole  force,  and  commanded  by  colonel  Scott; 
when  the  enemy  very  cautiously  approached  us  with  upwards  of 
2000  men  and  a  train  of  artillery. 

I  shall  ever  look  back  with  pleasure  to  the  firmness  and  patri 
otic  devotion  exhibited  at  that  moment  by  our  little  force ;  near 
half  my  men  were  in  coloured  clothes — mere  recruits,  yet  their 
conduct  would  do  honour  to  veterans,  and  from  that  day  I  date 
the  superior  excellence  of  our  military  materials.  Satisfied  that 
you  are  already  acquainted  with  the  remainder  of  that  day's 
transactions  at  Queenstown,  I  will  only  state  that  my  detach- 

*  The  boat  in  which  1  embarked  had  the  bow  shot  away  in  crossing1,  an.il 
was  nearly  full  of  water  as  we  got  on  shore. 


121 

ment  braved  every  thing :  that  lieutenant  Bavly  merited  honour 
able  notice ;  he  accompanied  me  in  the  boat  and  humanely  stayed  by 
a  wounded  officer  (lieutenant  Sweeny,  of  captain  Doxe's  volunteers) 
on  the  Canada  shore,  and  was  made  a  prisoner  early.  To  captain 
Machesny,  of  the  6th  regiment  infantry,  lieutenants  Clarke  and 
M',Carty  of  the  L23d,  lieutenants  Turner*  and  Phelps,  of  the  13th,  I 
feel  grateful  for  their  valuable  support.  Captain  Morris  having  re 
turned  early  to  Lewistown  with  some  prisoners,  was  engaged 
there  the  remainder  of  the  day,  and  lieutenants  Wendell  and 
Whiting  were  left  to  collect  such  of  the  detachment  as  were 
missing  and  in  charge  of  public  stores  I  cannot,  in  justice  to 
my  brave  detachment,  close  this  communication  without  expressing 
my  astonishment  at  the  omission  of  its  arduous  duties  in  your 
official  detail  of  that  day:  although  indifferent  as  to  myself  (satis 
fied  that  I  will  yet  have  justice  done  when  the  scenes  of  that  en 
terprise  are  better  known)  many  of  my  officers  merited  a  full 
share  of  public  notice,  and  from  my  knowledge  of  you,  sir,  to  the 
want  of  correct  information  alone,  I  ascribe  the  omission. 
I  have  the  honour  to  be  yours,  &c. 

J.  R.  MULLANY, 
Major  23d  regt.  Infantry. 
To  Major  general 

Stephen  Van  Rensselaer,  Albany. 


ALBANY,  January  23d,  1813. 
DEAR  SIR, 

I  sincerely  regret  that  you  and  the  officers  under  your 
immediate  command  have  not  been  represented  to  the  commander 
in  chief,  which,  from  the  statement  you  have  made,  their  gallantry 
merits. 

It  certainly  was  my  desire  that  ample  justice  should  have  been 
done  to  every  individual  under  my  command,  and  more  especially 
yourself,  for  whom  I  entertain  the  highest  respect  as  a  military 
man. 

The  want  of  correct  information,  owing  to  your  having  been 
made  a  prisoner,  and  lieutenant  colonel  Fenwick  dangerously 
wounded,  induced  me,  before  I  left  the  army,  to  request  brigadier 
general  Smyth  to  mention  to  general  Dearborn  such  officers  as 
had  been  omitted  by  me  in  my  official  despatch,  in  a  manner  their 
conduct  deserved.  This  duty,  I  presume,  has  been  performed. 

With  great  respect,  &c. 

S.  VAN  RENSSELAER. 
Major*  Mullany. 

*  Lieutenant  Turner  was  made  a  prisoner  early,  and  was  afterwards  re 
taken. 

16 


122 

HEAD  QUARTERS,  PORTAGE  RIVER, 

15  miles  from  Miami  Rapids,  January  24th,  1815. 

SIR, 

It  is  with  the  deepest  regret  that  I  have  to  inform  you, 
that  the  detachment  under  general  Winchester  has  been  entirely 
destroyed  by  an  Indian  and  British  force,  on  the  morning  of  the 
22d  instant,  at  the  river  Raisin.  About  12  o'clock  on  that  day  I 
was  informed  at  the  Rapids,  by  a  messenger  from  an  officer  who 
was  marching  to  reinforce  general  Winchester,  that  the  general 
had  been  attacked  that  morning,  and  that  the  Frenchman  who 
brou  ht  this  intelligence,  supposed  that  our  troops  were  retreating. 
I  had  then  with  me  a  regiment  of  Ohio  militia,  about  three 
hundred  and  fifty  strong.  Two  detachments  were  on  the  way  to 
join  general  \Vinchester,  but  had  taken  different  roads.  One  or 
two  hundred  Ohio  troops  were  marching  on  the  edge  of  the  lake, 
and  the  other  three  hundred  strong  were  pursuing  Hull's  road. 
Leaving  direction  for  the  regiment  in  camp  to  follow  me,  I  pro 
ceeded  on  and  overtook  the  detachment  of  Kentucky  troops  in 
about  five  miles.  Additional  information  was  now  received.  The 
French  citizens  were  flying  in  considerable  numbers  in  carryalls 
upon  the  ice,  and  about  3  o'clock  some  of  the  fugitives  began  to 
arrive.  All  agreed  that  the  defeat  was  total  and  complete — that 
the  troops  were  nearly  all  surrounded  and  cut  off,  or  taken  by  7 
o'clock — that  general  Winchester  was  seen  retiring  a  few  miles 
from  the  river  Raisin  along  Hull's  trace,  with  a  few  men  and  two 
or  three  officers,  all  of  whom  were  entirely  exhausted — that  they 
were  pursued  by  Indians  on  horse  back,  who  were  constantly  thin 
ning  their  numbers  by  firing  upon  them,  and  that  our  men  were 
unable  to  resist,  as  almost  all  of  them  had  thrown  away  their 
arms.  I  could  not  hesitate  as  to  the  propriety  of  hurrying  to 
their  assistance  as  long  as  there  was  a  possibility  of  being  able 
to  afford  any ;  but  I  was  much  embarrassed  in  the  choice  of  the 
roads  which  it  was  proper  to  take ;  that  upon  the  ice,  would  afford 
the  most  easy  and  expeditious  march,  and  that  route,  major  Col- 
grove,  with  "the  battalion  before  mentioned,  had  taken.  On  the 
contrary,  all  the  accounts  agreed  that  general  Winchester  had 
taken  the  land  road,  but  in  a  short  time,  from  the  fugitives  who 
began  to  drop  in,  I  learnt  that  general  Winchester  and  the  forty 
or  fifty  men  who  were  with  him  were  all  cut  of,  a  few  excepted, 
who  had  taken  oft'  to  the  margin  of  the  lake ;  and  from  those 
who  were  last  from  the  scene  of  action,  1  learnt  that  all  resistance 
upon  the  part  of  the  troops  that  had  remained  there,  had  ceased 
before  3  o'clock.  The  question  then  to  be  determined,  was, 
whether  it  would  be  proper  to  advance  to  the  scene  of  action  or 
not.  The  force  with  me,  when  joined  by  colonel  Grove's  bat 
talion,  would  amount  to  nearly  nine  hundred  men.  This  batta 
lion  had  made  a  forced  march  of  twelve  miles  the  morning  of  the 
action,  and  had  arrived  within  about  15  miles  of  the  river  Haisin, 
•when  the  major  received  such  certain  information  of  the  total 


123 

defeat  of  the  troops,  that  he  had  thought  proper  to  return,  and 
was  then  within  a  few  miles  of  us.  .General  Payne,  general 
Perkins,  and  all  the  field  officers  were  consulted,  and  it  was 
unanimously  determined,  that  as  there  could  be  no  doubt  of  the 
total  defeat  of  general  Winchester,  there  was  no  motive  that 
could  authorize  an  immediate  advance,  but  that  of  attacking  the 
enemy,  who  were  reported  to  be  greatly  superior  in  numbers, 
and  were  certainly  well  provided  with  artillery ;  that  after  a 
forced  march  of  thirty-two  miles  (the  distance  from  our  then 
position  from  the  river  Raisin)  the  troops  would  be  too  much  ex 
hausted  to  encounter  the  enemy  ;  that  colonel  Grove's  battalion, 
from  having  already  marched  twenty-five  miles  that  day,  would  be 
unable  to  accompany  us.  It  was  therefore  determined  to  return 
to  camp  with  the  troops,  but  large  detachments  of  the  most  large 
and  vigorous  men  were  sent  along  the  different  routes  to  assist 
and  bring  in  the  fugitives.  I  had  despatched  colonel  Wells 
early  in  the  evening  in  a  carryall  to  procure  intelligence.  He 
progressed  within  twelve  miles  of  the  scene  of  action  and  re-< 
turned  about  9  o'clock.  A  council  of  war  was  then  called,  con 
sisting  of  the  general  and  field  officers,  and  two  questions  sub 
mitted  to  them,  viz:  whether  it  was  probable  that  the  enemy 
would  attack  us  in  our  then  situation,  and  if  they  did,  could  we 
resist  them  with  effect  ? 

At  this  council,  major  M'Clanehan,  of  the  Kentucky  volun 
teers,  who  escaped  from  the  action,  assisted.  He  was  of  opinion 
that  there  were  from  sixteen  hundred  to  two  thousand  British 
and  Indians  opposed  to  our  troops,  and  that  they  had  six  pieces 
of  artillery,  principally  howitzers.  It  was  the  unanimous  opinion 
of  the  council,  that  under  all  circumstances  it  would  be  proper  to 
return  a  short  distance  upon  this  road  which  the  artillery  and 
reinforcements  were  approaching;  for  should  we  be  able  to  main 
tain  our  camp,  by  getting  in  our  rear  the  enemy  would  defeat  our 
troops  in  detail,  in  spite  of  all  the  efforts  we  could  make,  and  would 
take  the  all  important  convoy  of  artillery  and  stores  coming  from, 
Upper  Sandusky.  The  march  to  this  place  was  accordingly 
made  yesterday ;  where  I  shall  wait  for  the  artillery  and  a  de 
tachment  under  general  Leftwich.  I  hope  in  a  few  days  again  to 
be  at  the  Rapids.  With  respect  to  the  disaster  that  has  hap 
pened,  and  the  cause  which  has  produced  it,  it  is  proper  that  1 
should  say,  that  the  movement  which  led  to  it,  was  not  only 
without  my  knowledge  or  consent,  but  entirely  at  variance  with 
the  instructions  that  I  had  given  to  general  Winchester.  As 
soon  as  I  was  informed  that  it  had  been  made,  every  effort  in  my 
power  was  used  to  increase  their  strength.  Three  hundred  men 
more  than  the  general  had  asked  for,  were  on  their  march  to  join 
him.  As  his  situation  enabled  him  to  obtain  the  most  correct  in 
formation  of  the  strength  and  position  of  the  enemy,  I  could  not 
doubt  of  his  having  obtained  it.  In  justice  to  general  Winchester, 
however,  it  is  my  duty  to  observe  that  I  have  understood  that  the 


124 

detachment  under  colonel  Lewis  was  made  at  the  earnest  solici 
tations  of  his  officers,  and  perhaps  contrary  to  his  judgment. 
However  deeply  to  be  lamented,  sir,  the  destruction  of  the  de 
tachment  under  general  Winchester  may  be  as  a  national  calamity, 
and  as  it  regards  the  families  of  the  valuable  individuals  who 
have  fallen,  it  has  by  no  means  destroved  my  hopes  of  success 
with  regard  to  the  accomplishment  of  tfie  principal  objects  of  the 
campaign,  unless  the  weather  should  be  uncommonly  unfavourable. 
I  shall  return  to  the  Rapids  in  a  few  days  with  a  force  consider 
ably  superior  to  any  that  the  enemy  can  collect  in  the  upper  dis 
trict  of  Canada.  1  can  discover  no  despondence  amongst  the 
troops  that  are  with  me,  and  I  trust  that  something  may  yet  be 
done  to  compensate  us  for  the  hardships  and  difficulties  which  we 
every  moment  sustain. 

The  account  given  by  major  M'Clanehan  and  captain  Groves, 
of  the  action  of  the  22d,  is  that  the  enemy  commenced  just  after 
revel  lie  to  throw  shells  amongst  our  troops  before  the  officers  and 
men  had  risen  from  their  beds.  They  were  however  formed,  but 
very  inconveniently  posted,  and  being  entirely  surrounded,  they 
were  taken  in  twenty  minutes.  The  general  endeavoured  to 
rally  them  after  they  had  passed  the  river,  but  without  effect. 
Forty  or  fifty  with  the  general  broke  through  in  that  direction, 
but  from  the  depth  of  the  snow  those  on  foot  were  soon  exhausted, 
and  were  in  a  short  distance  overtaken  by  the  Indians.  The 
general  frequently  attempted  to  form  them  to  oppose  the  Indians, 
but  his  efforts  were  ineffectual.  1  am  unable  to  say  what  are  the 
proportion  of  the  killed  and  prisoners.  Some  of  the  Frenchmen 
whom  I  have  seen,  assert  that  five  hundred  were  killed ;  others, 
eight.  I  am  still,  however,  in  hopes  that  the  greater  part  are 
prisoners.  I  have  seen  one  man  who  asserts  that  he  saw  general 
Winchester  killed,  scalped,  and  his  bowels  taken  out.  Such  are 
the  allies  of  a  power  which  boasts  its  attainments  in  every  art 
and  science,  and  such  the  wrar  associates, of  British  officers  who 
claim  distinction  for  their  nice  feelings  and  delicate  sense  of 
honour. 

I  have  the  honour  to.  be,  &c. 

WILLIAM  HENRY  HARRISON. 

But  2  officers  and  25  or  30  privates  have  reached  my  camp  from  the  battle 
of  the  river  Raisin. 

Honourable  James  Monroe, 

acting1  Secretary  of  War. 


OTTER  CREEK,  January  12th,  1813. 
SIR, 

I  have  taken  the  liberty  to  send  per  express  to  inform  you 
that  the  enemy  are  apprized  of  your  being  at  the  Rapids,  and 
have  removed  all  the  friends  of  our  government  to  Maiden  prison, 


125 

and  at  present  we  are  beset  with  spies.  I  expect  the  guard  to 
search  for  me  every  moment.  I  have,  agreeably  to  my  orders 
from  Mr.  Shields,  your  acting  contractor,  engaged  fifty  barrels  of 
flour,  and  two  hundred  bushels  of  wheat.  If  you,  sir,  see  proper 
to  send  a  detachment  of  cavalry  and  riflemen,  with  arms  and 
ammunition  for  thirty  men  for  this  place,  we  can  secure,  it  is  sup 
posed,  three  thousand  barrels  of  flour  and  a  great  quantity  of 
corn  and  wheat.  There  are  but  forty  or  fifty  soldiers  garrisoned 
at  the  river  Raisin,  and  not  one  hundred  savages ;  there  is  not 
one  thousand  English,  French,  and  savages  at  Maiden. 

If  you  do  not  come  to-morrow  or  the  next  day,  you  will  not 
find  a  man  at  this  place.  The  English  are  collecting  all  the 
savages  to  rally  at  the  river  Raisin  for  the  purpose  of  giving  bat 
tle.  They  are  engaging  sleighs  to  transport  the  flour  and  grain 
to  their  Pandora's  box,  Maiden.  Five  hundred  true  and  brave 
Americans  can  secure  the  district  of  Erie.  A  timely  approach 
of  our  armies  will  secure  us  from  being  forced  to  prison,  and  the 
whole  place  from  being  burned  by  savage  fury. 

Your  humble  servant,  &c. 

ISAAC  DAY. 

P.  S.  Please  to  excuse  this  scroll,  as  I  write  in  the  woods 
without  a  fire. 

His  excellency  Gov.  Harrison. 


HEAD  QUARTERS  N.  W.  ARMY,  PORTAGE  RIVER, 

15  miles  from  the  Miami  Rapids,  January  26th,  1813. 

SIR, 

1  have  the  honour  to  enclose  herewith,  a  duplicate  of  my 
letter  of  the  25th  instant,  together  with  the  official  report  of  colo 
nel  Lewis  to  general  Winchester  of  the  action  of  the  18th  in 
stant. 

That  you  may  be  enabled  to  judge  of  the  propriety  of  the  steps 
which  were  taken  by  me  previously  to  the  unfortunate  event  at 
the  river  Raisin,  I  proceed  to  give  you  an  account  of  the  situa 
tion  of  the  troops  and  the  arrangements  I  had  made  for  their 
advance : — the  left  wing  of  the  army  under  the  immediate  orders 
of  general  Winchester,  consisting  of  the  6th  regiment  Kentucky 
troops,  a  battalion  of  Ohio  infantry,  and  a  detachment  of  re 
gulars  under  colonel  Wells. 

The  importance  of  keeping  a  considerable  force  on  this  line 
after  the  advance  of  the  army,  from  its  vicinity  to  the  Indian 
tribes  of  the  Wabash  and  lake  Michigan,  induced  me  to  direct 
general  Winchester  to  take  with  him  three  Kentucky  regiments 
and  the  regular  troops  only.  With  these,  amounting  to  about 
thirteen  hundred  men,  he  marched  from  his  camp,  five  miles  be 
low  the  mouth  of  the  Auglaise  river,  on  the  31st  ultimo.  On  the 


126 

evening  before,  he  despatched  an  express,  informing  me  of  his 
intention  to  inarch  the  next  morning.  This  express  was  sent 
through  the  woods  to  general  Tupper's  camp,  fourteen  miles  ad 
vanced  of  Urbanna,  upon  Hull's  road.  A  violent  snow  storm 
prevented  it  from  reaching  general  Tupper  until  the  9th  instant, 
and  it  was  not  until  the  llth,  that  it  came  to  me  at  Upper  San- 
dusk  j.  I  immediately  gave  orders  for  several  droves  of  hogs, 
which  had  been  stopped  on  their  route,  to  proceed  towards  the 
Rapids,  and  I  directed  the  artillery  to  be  prepared  to  progress  as 
soon  as  the  general's  arrival  at  the  Rapids  should  be  announced, 
which  I  directed  him  to  do  by  express,  to  be  sent  immediately  to 
Upper  Sandusky.  Not  hearing  from  the  general  for  some  days, 
I  began  to  conclude  that  his  progress  had  been  stopped  by  a  consi 
derable  thaw,  which  took  place  about  the  1st  of  the  month.  On 
the  evening  of  the  16th  instant,  I  received  a  letter  from  general 
Perkins,  enclosing  one  from  general  Winchester  to  him,  of  the 
15th,  informing  of  his  arrival  at  the  Rapids  on  the  10th ; — that 
it  was  his  intention  to  advance  against  the  enemy,  and  directing 
him  (general  Perkins)  to  send  a  reinforcement  to  the  Rapids,  of 
one  battalion.  Alarmed  at  this  information,  I  despatched  an  ex 
press  with  the  enclosed  letter,  by  the  direct  route  to  the  Rapids, 
and  set  out  myself  to  Lower  Sandusky,  and  reached  it  on  the  even 
ing  of  the  17th.  On  the  morning  of  the  18th,  the  battalion  which 
general  Winchester  applied  for,  marched  from  Lower  Sanduskv. 
About  2  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  19th,  a  letter  from  general 
Winchester  was  received,  of  which  the  enclosed  is  an  extract.  I 
save  immediate  orders  for  the  2d  regiment  of  Perkins's  brigade 
(which  consists  of  two  regiments  only)  to  march  immediately  for 
the  Rapids,  and  proceeded  thither  myself.  On  my  way,  I  received 
the  general's  letter  of  the  19th,  informing  me  of  the  success  of  colo 
nel  Lewis,  a  copy  of  whicli  I  had  the  honour  to  enclose  you  from 
the  Rapids.  Upon  my  arrival  at  the  latter  place,  on  the  morning 
of  the  20th,  I  found  that  general  Winchester  had  marched  the 
preceding  day,  having  left  general  Payne  with  about  three  hun 
dred  of  the  Kentucky  troops.  It  was  not  until  late  on  the  21st 
instant,  that  major  Colgrove  was  enabled  to  extricate  his  baggage 
from  the  horrid  swarnp  which  separates  the  Miami  and  Sandusky 
rivers.  He  encamped  that  evening  near  the  Miami  bay,  and  by 
marching  early  on  the  following  morning,  he  had  arrived  within 
fifteen  miles  of  the  river  Raisin,  when  he  was  informed  of  the 
total  defeat  of  our  troops  there. 

The  2d  regiment  of  Perkins's  brigade  arrived  there  on  the  21st, 
and  I  immediately  ordered  the  remaining  part  of  the  Kentucky 
troops  under  general  Payne,  to  proceed  with  all  possible  expedi 
tion  to  the  river  Raisin.  I  was  still  uneasy  for  the  troops  there, 
but  supposing  general  Winchester  had  obtained  the  best  informa 
tion  of  the  strength  of  the  disposable  force  of  the  enemy,  and 
as  I  sent  him  three  hundred  men  more  than  he  deemed  sufficient 
for  maintaining  his  ground,  and  as  there  were  a  thousand  reasons 


127 

which  made  it  necessary  to  maintain  it  if  practicable  ;  I  did  no* 
think  it  proper  to  order  him  to  retreat,  although  the  advance  in 
the  lirst  instance  was  contrary  to  my  wishes,  arid  opposed  to  a 
principle  by  which  1  have  been  ever  governed  in  Indian  warfare, 
i.  e.  never  to  make  a  detachment  but  under  the   most  urgent 
circumstances.     Amongst  the  many  reasons  why  the  post  at  the 
river  ivaisin  should  be  maintained,  the  protection  of  the  French 
inhabitants  was  not  the  last.     The  greater  part  of  these  people 
had  received   our  troops  with  open  arms.     Many  of  them  had 
sallied  out  of  their  houses  upon  the  arrival  of  colonel  Lewis,  with 
their  arms  in  their  hands,  and  had  even,  in  the  opinion  of  some  of 
our  officers,  won  the  palm  of  valour  from  our  troops.     They  at 
tacked  and  killed  the  straggling  Indians  wherever  they  met  them ; 
their  houses  were  all  open  to  our  men,  and  they  offered  to  give  up 
the  whole  of  the  provisions  which  yet  remained  to  them,  upon 
condition  that  they  should  not  again  be  abandoned  to  the  fury  of 
the  savages,  or  subjected,  for  what  they  had  done,  to  be  immured  in 
tho  prisons  of  Maiden.     1  had  also  been  informed  that  the  sup 
plies  to  be  procured  there  were  considerable  (see  Day's  letter  en 
closed  in  No.  3),  and  the  assistance  to  be  derived  from  the  caryalls 
of  the  inhabitants  was  an  object  of  the  greatest  importance.   "The 
former  of  these  motives  had  made  so  strong  an  impression  upon 
the  minds  of  the  general  and  his  troops,  that  I  am  persuaded  that 
nothing  but  a  reiterated  order  to  retreat,  would  have  produced 
obedience  upon  the  part  of  the  latter.     These  reasons,  together 
with  the  respect  which  it  was  necessary  to  shew  to  the  opinion 
of  an  officer  of  high  rank  and  experience,  whose  opportunities  of 
procuring  the  most  correct  information,  was  much  better  than 
mine,  produced  the  determination  to  support,  rather  than  with 
draw  the  detachment  from  the  river  Raisin.     Indeed  it  appears 
that  there  was  not  time  for  either,  after  my  arrival  at  the  Rapids 
When  I  left  Upper  Sandusky,  the  artillery  was  ordered  to  be 
sent  on  immediately  to  the  Rapids,  escorted  by  three  hundred 
men.     Detachments  were  also  ordered  for  the  pack  horses,  wa 
gons  and  sleds,  which  were  constantly  progressing  thither.  Ano 
ther  battalion  could  also  have  been  drawn  from  Lower  Sandusky, 
so  that  the  troops  at  the  Rapids  would  have  been  almost  daily 
increased.     On  this  day  they  would  have  amounted  to  twenty  -five 
hundred,  with  two  pieces  of  artillery ;  and  in  four  or  five  clays 
more,  the  Virginia  brigade  and  Pennsylvania  regiment  wou Id  iiave 
increased  them  to  thirty-eight  hundred,  with  a  further  supply  of 
artillery.     By  the  5th  of  February  the  whole  force,  four  thousand 
five  hundred,  which  I   contemplated  assembling  at  the  Rapids, 
would  have  been  there  ;  and  provisions  and  munitions  of  war  in 
abundance. 

I  should  have  been  enabled  to  advance  to  the  Rapids  again  this 
day  or  to-morrow,  but  for  a  most  unfortunate  rain,  which  has 
broken  up  the  roads  so  as  to  render  themimpassableibr  the  artil 
lery,  although  it  is  fixed  on  sleds.  The  whole  train  is  stopped 


128 

twenty-five  miles  from  this.     I  have  reason  to  believe  the  Miami 
river  has  broken  up. 

I  have  the  honour  to  enclose  you  a  report  made  to  me  by  major 
M'Clanehan,  the  senior  of  the  two  officers  who  escaped  from  the 
action  at  the  river  Raisin.     It  requires  no  comment  from  me. 
I  have  the  honour  to  be  yours,  &c. 

WILLIAM  HENRY  HARRISON. 

Honourable  James  Monroe, 

acting  Secretary  of  War. 


(iNCLOSURE.) 

CAMP  AT  FRENCH  TOWN, 

January  20th,  1813,  on  the  River  Raisiu. 

SIR, 

In  obedience  to  your  order,  I  proceeded  on  the  march  with 
the  detachment  under  my  command  to  Presquile  on  the  17th 
instant,  where  the  reinforcement  under  the  command  of  lieuten 
ant  colonel  Allen  arrived  at  7  o'clock  P.  M.  On  the  18th,  as  I 
informed  you  it  was  my  determination,  we  set  out  for  the  camp  of 
the  enemy  at  this  village.  From  an  early  start,  together  with  the 
advantage  of  a  passage  on  the  ice  of  the  lake,  and  the  rapid  march 
we  made,  we  were  enabled  to  meet  them  by  3  o'clock  in  the 
evening. 

When  we  were  within  three  miles  of  the  enemy,  correct  infor 
mation  was  obtained  that  they  were  prepared"  to  receive  us. 
Having  arranged  the  troops  in  the  following  order — they  were 
directed  to  prepare  for  action :  the  right  wing  composed  of  the 
companies  commanded  by  captain  M'Cracken,  subalterns  lieu 
tenant  Williamson  and  ensign  M'Clary ;  captain  Bledsoe,  sub 
alterns  ensign  Morrison  (acting  as  lieutenant,)  and  ensign  Chiner ; 
captain  Matson,  subalterns  ensign  Nash  (acting  as  lieutenant)  and 
ensign  Caklwell.  The  left  wing  composed  of  the  companies 
commanded  by  captain  Hamilton,  subalterns  lieutenant  Moore 
and  ensign  Heron ;  captain  Williams,  subalterns  lieutenant 
Higgins  and  ensign  Havraw  ;  captain  Kelly,  subalterns  lieutenant 
M'Guine  and  ensign  Wash.  The  centre  composed  of  the  companies 
commanded  by  captain  Hightowen  (17th  United  States' regiment,) 
subalterns  lieutenant  Holden  and  ensign  Butler ;  captain  Collier, 
subalterns  lieutenant  Story  and  ensign  Fleet ;  captain  Sebree,  sub 
alterns  lieutenant  Rule  and  ensign  Bowles.  Lieutenant  colonel 
Allen  commanding  the  right  wing,  major  Groves  the  left,  and 
major  Madison  the  centre.  Captain  Ballard  (acting  as  major) 
was  placed  in  the  advance  of  the  whole  with  two  companies,  one 
commanded  by  captain  Hickman,  subalterns  lieutenant  Chinn,  the 
other  by  captain  Claver,  subalterns  lieutenant  Comstock,  and  also 
captain  James  with  his  spies.  In  this  order  we  proceeded  within 


a  quarter  of  a  mile  of  the  enemy,  when  they  commenced  a  ftre  on 
us  with  a  howitzer,  from  which  no  injury  was  received.  The  line 
of  battle  was  instantly  formed  and  the  whole  detachment  ordered 
to  move  on  in  the  direction  of  the  enemy  without  delay.  Tht 
river  at  this  time  being  between  us  and  the  enemy's  lines,  we  suc 
ceeded  well  in  crossing  it,  though  the  ice  in  many  places  was  ex 
tremely  slippery.  Having  crossed  at  this  instant  the  long  roll  was 
beat,  the  signal  for  a  general  charge,  when  I  ordered  major 
Groves  and  major  Madison  to  possess  themselves  of  the  houses 
and  picketing  about  which  the  enemy  had  chiefly  collected,  and 
where  they  had  placed  their  cannon.  This  order  was  executed 
in  a  few  minutes  ;  and  both  their  battalions  advanced  amidst  an 
incessant  shower  of  bullets  :  neither  the  picketing  nor  the  fencing 
over  which  they  had  to  pass,  retarded  their  progress  to  success — 
the  enemy  were  dislodged  in  that  quarter.  Meantime  colonel 
Allen  had  fallen  in  with  them  at  considerable  distance  to  the 
right,  when  after  pursuing  them  to  the  woods  (a  distance  of  more 
than  half  a  mile)  they  then  made  a  stand  with  their  howitzer  and 
small  arms  covered  by  a  chain  of  inclosed  lots  and  a  group  of  houses, 
having  in  their  rear  a  thick  brushy  wood  full  of  fallen  timber.  I 
directed  brigade  major  Garrard  (one  of  my  aids)  to  instruct 
majors  Groves  and  Madison  to  possess  themselves  of  the  wood  on 
the  left,  and  to  move  up  towards  the  main  body  of  the  enemy  as 
fast  as  practicable,  to  divert  their  attention  from  colonel  Allen. 
At  the  moment  the  fire  commenced,  those  battalions  of  the  right 
wing  advanced.  The  enemy  were  soon  driven  from  the  fences  and 
houses,  and  our  troops  began  to  enter  the  wood  after  them.  The 
fight  now  became  close  and  extremely  hot 'on  the  right  wing,  the 
enemy  concentrating  the  chief  of  both  kinds  to  force  the  line. 
They  were  still  however  kept  moving  in  retreat,  although  slowly, 
our  men  being  much  exhausted.  My  orders  to  majors  Groves  and 
Madison  were  executed  with  despatch  and  success,  which,  joined 
with  the  exertions  of  colonel  Allen's  line,  completely  routed  the 
enemy.  The  distance  they  retreated  before  us  was  not  less  than 
two  miles,  and  every  foot  of  the  way  under  a  continual  charge. 
The  battle  lasted  from  3  o'clock  till  dark.  The  detachment  was 
then  drawn  off  in  good  order,  and  encamped  at  the  place  which 
the  enemy  had  first  occupied,  being  the  best  for  a  camp  then  near 
us.  The  gallant  conduct  of  lieutenant  colonel  Allen,  during  every 
charge  of  this  warmly  contested  action,  has  raised  for  him  no 
ordinary  military  merit.  Majors  Groves  and  Madison  deserve 
high  praise  for  their  undeviating  attention  to  orders  and  the 
energy  and  despatch  with  which  they  executed  them.  Captain 
Ballard  led  the  van  with  great  skill  and  bravery.  I  take  this 
opportunity  of  tendering  my  most  hearty  thanks  to  brigade  major 
Garrard,  captain  Smith  and  adjutant  M'Caller,  who  acted  as  my 
aids-de-camp,  for  the  great  support  they  gave  me  during  the  whole 
of  the  action.  The  company  officers  acted  with  great  bravery.  It 
would  be  almost  an  endless  task  to  particularize  all  who  have 
17 


ISO 

distinguished  themselves  ;  for  as  all  had  an  opportunity  so  to  do, 
there  was  none  but  what  accepted  it.  There  was  not  a  solitary 
instance  of  a  retreat  on  our  part.  Both  officers  and  soldiers  sup 
ported  the  "  double  character  of  Americans  and  Kentuckians." 
.  I  have  not  been  able  to  ascertain  tl.e  exact  force  of  the  enemy, 
but  from  the  best  information,  there  were  between  80  and  100 
British  troops,  and  about  400  Indians.  Major  Reynolds  was 
present,  and  it  is  understood,  commanded  the  whole.  The  num 
ber  of  their  killed  and  wounded  is  unknown,  we  having  left  the 
woods  after  dark,  so  that  not  only  during  the  battle,  but  after 
night,  they  had  an  opportunity  of  carrying  off  all,  except  those 
who  were  left  on  the  field  where  the  action  first  commenced,  say- 
about  fifteen.  But  from  the  blood,  the  trails  of  bodies  dragged 
off,  and  the  reports  from  the  people  who  live  near  this  place,  the 
slaughter  must  have  been  great.  One  Indian  and  two  of  the 
Canadian  militia  were  taken  prisoners.  So  steady  and  composed 
were  our  men  in  this  assault,  that  while  the  enemy  were  killed 
or  drawn  from  the  houses,  not  a  woman  or  child  was  hurt., 

Our  loss  in  killed  12,  and  55  wounded.     One  has  since  died. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

WILLIAM  LEWIS, 
Commdt.  of  the  detachment, 

Brigadier  general  Winchester. 


(INCLOSURE.) 
CAMP  ON  CANYJNG  RIVER,  January  26th,  1813. 

SIR, 

As  the  senior  officer  who  escaped  from  the  disaster  which 
befell  our  troops  under  general  Winchester  on  the  22d  instant, 
it.  becomes  my  duty  to  report  to  you  so  much  of  that  affair  as  comes 
within  my  knowledge. 

On  the  morning  of  the  19th  instant  I  marched  from  the  camp  at 
the  Rapids  of  the  Miami  with  the  detachment  under  colonel  Wellsf 
consisting  (u7  about  300  men,  including  officers,  to  reinforce  colonel 
Lewis  at  the  river  Raisin.  Shortly  after  we  left  camp,  general 
Winchester  passed  us  in  a  carryall,  and  as  I  understand,  reached 
the  advanced  troops  that  night.  Our  detachment  arrived  there 
about  3  o'clock,  P.  M.  on  the  20th,  except  captain  Morris's  com 
pany.  It  had  been  left  as  a  rear  guard  with  the  baggage,  and  did 
not  join  us  at  all. 

We  found  the  detachment  under  lieutenant  colonel  Lewis 
encamped  in  the  gardens  on  the  north  side  of  the  river  Raisin  at 
French  Town ;  not  in  any  regular  order,  and  apparently  as  they 
had  settled  down  in  the  night  after  the  battle  of  the  1 8th.  The  field 
officers  were  generally  in  houses.  General  Winchester  had  taken 
up  his  quarters  in  the  house  of  Mr.  Navarre,  about  three  quarters 
of  a  mile  from  the  troops,  and  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river. 


131 

The  land  was  cleared  and  entirely  open,  except  fencing  and  some 
buildings  for  near  a  mile  on  every  side  from  the  encampment. 

The  detachment  under  colonel' Wells  encamped  below,  and  on 
the  right  of  the  other  troops,  about  one  hundred  yards  from  them, 
in  ground  entirely  open ;  three  companies  in  a  line  leading  from  the 
river ;  the  fourth  at  right  angles  to  those  three,  and  leading  down 
the  river.  These  troops  had  about  ten  rounds  of  ammunition. 
They  paraded  and  called  their  rolls  as  usual;  the  others  did  not. 
On  the  morning  of  the  21st  there  was  a  talk  of  moving,  and 
encamping  on  better  ground,  and  in  regular  order.  The  general 
and  some  of  the  field  officers  rode  out  to  view  ground  for  that 
purpose,  but  nothing  was  done. 

Our  spies  were  not  sent  out  to  my  knowledge  after  I  reached 
camp.  I  saw  them  on  the  21st,  and  understood  that  on  that 
evening  orders  were  given  for  their  going  out  on  the  22d. 

The  fixed  ammunition,  which  was  sent  from  the  Rapids  on  the 
21st,  was  taken  to  general  Winchester's  quarters  at  Mr.  Navarre's 
on  that  evening.  It  remained  there  and  was  not  distributed. 

On  the  morning  of  the  21st,  colonel  Wells  returned  on  some 
business  to  the  camp  at  the  Rapids  and  left  the  detachment  under 
us  to  my  command.  He  advised  that  the  officers  and  men  should 
remain  at  their  posts  as  there  was  a  probability  of  an  attack. 

That  evening  a  rumour  reached  us  that  th^  enemy  were  coming 
against  us  with  Sor  4,000  men,  and  would  be  with  us  before  day. 
I  expected  that  the  field  officers  would  have  been  called  together, 
and  a  consultation  held  and  instructions  givi-n  to  meet  the  event 
should  it  happen.  It  was  not  done.  I  directed  the  officers  under 
my  command  to  form  in  case  of  an  attack,  so  as  to  close  the  vacancy 
between  us  and  the  other  troops. 

At  day  break  on  the  next  morning,  and  ilrrlig  the  beating  of 
revellie,  two  of  our  sentinels  fired  alana  guns,  and "immediately  the 
enemy  commenced  a  heavy  cannonade  froM  six  or  eight  pieces, 
with  bomb  shells  and  canister  shot,  followed  up  by  small  arms. 
The  troops  under  my  command,  and  apparently  throughout  the 
line,  were  soon  formed,  and  returned  the  fire  very  briskly. 

The  enemy  consisted  of  British  forces  in  the  centre,  as  exten 
sive,  and  apparently  in  closer  order  than  we  were  ;  and  Indians 
on  both  flanks  extending  quite  to  our  rear. 

The  action  was  warmly  contested  for  near  half  an  hour,  at 
which  time  the  Indians  laid  under  cover  of  some  fencing,  and  a  band 
approached  so  near  as  to  gall  us  severely  in  the  flanks,  whilst  the 
British  kept  up  an  incessant  fire  in  front.  Our  troops  then  began 
to  give  way ;  they  retreated  to  the  river.  I  then  for  the  first  time 
during  the  action  saw  general  Winchester.  He  directed  in  a 
voice  not  loud,  to  form  under  the  north  bank  of  the  river.  Lieu 
tenant  colonels  Lewis  and  Allen  were  present  and  assisted  in 
rallying  and  forming  the  men.  A  considerable  number  took  their 
position,  and  some  of  them  renewed  their  fire,  but  it  was  not 


132 

long  kept,  as  the  Indians  were  still  on  our  flank  and  fast  gaining 
our  rear. 

A  second  attempt  was  made  to  form  the  troops  about  sixty 
yards  on  this  side  of  the  river  along  some  fences,  but  not  many 
of  them  formed.  A  third  effort  was  made  in  some  woods  after 
crossing  a  branch,  about  a  mile  and  a  half  from  the  place  of  ac 
tion.  Colonel  Lewis  was  the  only  field  officer  I  saw  there.  We 
used  our  endeavours  to  rally  the  men,  but  they  could  not  then  be 
stopped ;  the  pursuit  was  then  very  hot.  After  continuing  with 
the  men  about  half  a  mile  further,  and  finding  nothing  more 
could  be  done,  I  took  captain  Graves,  who  was  wounded,  behind 
me,  and  my  son  by  the  hand,  and  left  the  road  and  reached  camp 
with  them. 

General  Winchester  and  lieutenant  colonel  Lewis  were  riding 
slowly  at  the  head  of  the  retreat  when  I  saw  them  rest;  they 
could  to  all  appearance  easily  have  left  the  footmen  and  made 
their  escape,  had  they  intended  leaving  the  men. 

I  have  been  informed  from  sources  I  cannot  doubt,  that  frequent 
enquiries  were  made  for  ammunition  during  the  action.  The 
men  appeared  ardent  and  obedient  to  orders  whilst  it  lasted. 

When  the  first  attempt  was  made  to  rally  them,  they  could,  I 
have  no  doubt,  have  been  completely  formed,  had  the  place  af 
forded  an  advantageous  position.  It  did  not  appear  to  me  to 
possess  any. 

During  the  retreat  our  men  kept  up  an  occasional  but  not  a 
regular  fire. 

I  received  no  orders  from  the  general  during  the  action.  The 
order  to  form  under  the  river  bank  was  all  I  heard.  The  other 
orders  to  rally  probably  came  from  him. 

The  enemy  must  have  been  at  least  double  our  numbers.  Many 
think  much  beyond  it. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

ELIJAH  M'CLANEHAN, 
Maj.  2d  B.  1st  Reg.  L.  V.  M. 

General  Wm.  H.  Harrison. 


MALDEN,  January  23d,  1813. 

SIR, 

A  detachment  from  the  left  wing  of  the  north-western  army, 
under  my  command,  at  French  Town,  on  the  river  Raisin,  was 
attacked  on  the  22d  instant  by  a  force  greatly  superior  in  num 
ber,  aided  by  several  pieces  of  artillery.  The  action  commenced 
at  the  dawn  of  day ;  the  picket  guards  were  driven  in,  and  a 
heavy  fire  opened  on  the  whole  line,  by  which  a  part  thereof  were 
thrown  into  disorder;  and,  being  ordered  to  retire  a  small  dis 
tance,  in  order  to  form  on  more  advantageous  ground,  I  found 
the  enemy  doubling  our  flank  with  force  and  rapidity. 


133 

A  destructive  fire  was  sustained  for  some  time;  at  length 
borne  dow  by  numbers,  the  few  of  us  that  remained  with  the 
party  that  retired  from  the  lines,  submitted.  The  remainder  of 
our  force,  in  number  about  four  hundred,  continued  to  defend 
themselves  with  great  gallantry,  in  an  unequal  contest,  against 
small  arms  and  artillery,  until  L  was  brought  in  as  a  prisoner  to 
that  part  of  the  field  occupied  by  the  enemy. 

At  this  latter  place  I  understood  that  our  troops  were  defend 
ing  themselves  in  a  state  of  desperation,  and  was  informed  by 
the  commanding  officer  of  the  enemy,  that  he  would  afford  them 
an  opportunity  of  surrendering  themselves  prisoners  of  war ;  to 
which  I  acceded.  I  was  the  more  ready  to  make  the  surrender, 
from  being  assured,  that  unless  done  quickly,  the  buildings  adja 
cent  would  be  immediately  set  on  fire,  and  that  no  responsibility 
would  be  taken  for  the  conduct  of  the  savages,  who  were  then 
assembled  in  great  numbers.  In  this  critical  situation,  being 
desirous  to  preserve  the  lives  of  a  number  of  our  brave  fellows 
who  still  held  out,  I  sent  a  flag  to  them,  and  agreed  with  the  com 
manding  officer  of  the  enemy,  that  they  should  be  surrendered 
prisoners  of  war  on  condition  of  being  protected  from  the  sava 
ges,  allowed  to  retain  their  private  property,  and  having  their 
side  arms  returned  to  them.  It  is  impossible  for  me  to  ascertain 
with  certainty  the  loss  we  have  sustained  in  this  action,  from  the 
impracticability  of  knowing  the  number  who  have  made  their 
escape. 

Thirty-five  officers,  and  about  four  hundred  and  eighty-seven 
non-commissioned  officers  and  privates,  are  prisoners  of  war.  A 
list  of  the  names  of  the  officers  is  herewith  enclosed  to  you. 
Our  loss  in  killed  is  considerable.  However  unfortunate  may 
seem  the  affair  of  yesterday,  I  am  flattered  by  a  belief,  that  no 
material  error  is  chargeable  upon  myself,  and  that  still  less  cen 
sure  is  deserved  by  the  troops  I  had  the  honour  of  commanding. 
"With  the  exception  of  that  portion  of  our  force,  which  was 
thrown  into  disorder,  no  troops  have  ever  behaved  with  more 
determined  intrepidity. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

JAMES  WINCHESTER, 

Brig.  Gen.  U.  S.  army. 
Hon.  Secretary  of  War. 


WAR  DEPARTMENT,  February  10th,  1813. 

SIR, 

I  have  the  President's  orders  to  communicate  to  you,  as  ex- 
peditiously  as  possible,  the  outline  of  campaign  which  you  will 
immediately  institute  and  pursue  against  Upper  Canada. 

1st.  Four  thousand  troops  will  be  assembled  at  Sacket's  Harbor 
2d.  Three  thousand  will  be  brought  together  at  BuSaloe  and 
its  vicinity. 


184 

The  former  of  these  corps  will  be  embarked  and  transported 
under  convoy  of  the  fleet  to  Kingston,  where  they  will  be  landed. 
Kingston,  its  garrison  and  the  British  ships  wintering  in  the 
harbor  of  that  place,  will  be  its  first  object.  Its  second  object 
will  be  York,  (the  capital  of  Upper  Canada)  the  stores  collec 
ted  and  the  two  frigates  building  there.  Its  third  object,  Forts 
George  and  Erie,  and  their  dependencies.  In  the  attainment  of 
this  last,  there  will  be  a  co-operation  between  the  two  corps.  The 
composition  of  these  will  be  as  follows : 

1st,  Bloomfield's   Brigade, 

2d,  Chandlers  do. 

3d,  Philadelphia  detachment,     - 

4th,  Baltimore  do. 

5th,  Carlisle  do.         -       - 

6th,  Greenbush          do.     - 

7th,  Sacket's  Harbor  do. 


8th,  Several  corps  at  Buffaloe  under  the  command 
ef  colonel  Porter,  and  the  recruits  belonging  thereto      3,000 

7,030 


The  time  for  executing  the  enterprise  will  be  governed  by  the 
opening  of  lake  Ontario,  which  usually  takes  place  about  the  first 
of  April. 

The  adjutant  general  has  orders  to  put  the  more  southern 
detachments  in  march  as  expeditiously  as  possible.  The  two 
brigades  on  lake  Champlain  you  will  move  so  as  to  give  them  full 
time  to  reach  their  place  of  destination  by  the  25th  of  March. 
The  route  by  Elizabeth  will,  1  think,  be  the  shortest  and  best. 
They  will  be  replaced  by  some  new  raised  regiments  from  the 
east.  You  will  put  into  your  movements  as  much  privacy  as 
may  be  compatible  with  their  execution.  They  may  be  masked 
by  reports  that  Sacket's  Harbor  is  in  danger,  and  that  the  princi 
pal  effort  will  be  made  on  the  Niagara  in  co-operation  with  general 
Harrison.  As  the  route  to  Sacket's  Harbor  and  to  Niagara,  is  for 
a  considerable  distance  the  same,  it  may  be  well  to  intimate, 
even  in  orders,  that  the  latter  is  the  destination  of  the  two 
brigades  now  at  lake  Champlain. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

JOHN  ARMSTRONG. 
Major  Gen.  H.  Dearborn. 


135 
MASSACRE  AT  FRENCH  TOWN. 

MEADVILLE  (PENNSYLVANIA,)  February  20th,  1813. 

At  a  meeting  at  Erie,  Pennsylvania,  of  the  following  named 
officers  who  survived  the  battle  at  French  Town,  on  the  river 
Raisin,  viz :  Captains  Uriel  Sebree,  Samuel  L.  Williams,  Cole- 
man  Collins,  and  Richard  Bledsoe  ;  Lieutenants  Dyndon,  Corn- 
stock  and  Higgins ;  Ensigns  Thomas  M'Guine  and  Harrow:-— 
Captain  Williams  was  called  to  the  chair,  and  John  Beckley  (one 
of  the  volunteers)  appointed  secretary  ;  when  the  following  reso 
lutions  were  introduced,  and  unanimously  adopted  : 

Whereas  it  is  deemed  necessary  that  our  fellow  citizens  should 
be  informed  of  the  late  perfidious  and  brutal  acts  of  the  British 
government,  performed  by  their  officers  at  the  battle  of  French 
Town  :  Resolved,  That  the  following  statement  of  the  conduct  of 
the  British  officers,  be  published  to  our  countrymen  : 

That  when  general  Winchester  was  taken  prisoner  on  the  22d 
of  January,  1813,  and  brought  before  colonel  Proctor,  the  British 
commander,  he  directed  the  commanding  officer  of  the  Americans 
(major  Madison)  to  surrender.  Major  Madison  refused  so  to  do, 
unless  those  surrendered  should  be  free  from  savage  massacre  ; 
this  was  agreed  to  ;  and  the  British  officers  pledged  themselves 
to  leave  a  sufficient  force  with  the  wounded  to  protect  them,  and 
that  they  should  be  conveyed  to  Maiden  the  next  morning.  They 
likewise  promised  to  return  to  the  officers  their  arms  at  Maiden. 

Captain  N.  G.  F.  Hart,  inspector  to  the  north-western  army, 
being  among  the  wounded,  it  was  proposed  by  his  friends,  that 
they  should  carry  him  with  them  :  this  they  were  prevented  from 
doing  by  captain  Elliott,*  a  British  officer,  and  an  old  acquain 
tance  of  captain  Hart's,  who  promised  captain  Hart  his  special 
protection — to  convey  him  in  his  own  sleigh  to  Maiden  that 
evening,  and  informing  him  that  he  should  be  welcome  to  remain 
at  his  house  there,  until  he  should  recover. 

These  were  the  promises  of  the  British,  let  our  countrymen  and 
the  world  see  how  they  were  fulfilled. 

At  the  break  of  day  next  morning  the  savages  were  suffered  to 
commit  every  depredation  upon  our  wounded  which  they  pleased 
Jin  indiscriminate  slaughter  took  place,  of  all  who  were  unable  to 
walk,  many  were  tomahawked,  and  many  were  burned  alive  in  the 
houses.  Among  the  unfortunate  thus  murdered,  it  is  with  regret 
and  sorrow  we  have  to  name  captains  Hart  and  Hickman. 

The  arms  of  the  officers,  as  promised,  were  never  returned. 
Every  species  of  private  property  remaining  in  the  tents,  be 
longing  to  both  officers  and  soldiers,  were  plundered  by  the 
savages. 

*  This  Elliott  is  nephew  to  the  savaga  colonel  Elliott ;  he  once  held  a 
commission  in  the  United  States'  army. 


136 

Resolved,  That  in  consideration  of  the  high  respect  we  hold 
the  memories  of  both  officers  and  soldiers  who  were  thus  cruelly 
murdered,  by  permission  of  the  British  commander,  Proctor,  and 
his  subalterns,  and  those  who  gloriously  fell  in  thejfzc/t/,  defend'tig 
the  only  free  government  on  earth,  that  each  of  us  wear  black 
crape  on  our  hats  and  left  arm  for  the  space  of  ninety  days. 

Resolved,  That  a  similar  procedure,  testifying  their  respect 
for  those  who  were  murdered  and  fell  on  that  day,  be  recom 
mended  to  our  brother  officers  and  soldiers,  who  survived  it. 

SAMUEL  WILLIAMS,  President* 
JOHN  BECKLEI,  Secretary. 


NEAR  OGDENSBURG,  February  22d,  1813. 

SIR, 

I  have  only  time  to  inform  you  that  the  enemy,  with  a  very 
superior  force,  succeeded  in  taken  Ogdensburg  this  morning 
about  9  o'clock.  They  had  about  two  men  to  our  one,  exclusive 
of  Indians.  Numbers  of  the  enemy  are  dead  on  the  field.  Not 
more  than  twenty  of  our  men  killed  and  wounded.  Lieutenant 
Beard  is  among  the  latter. 

I  have  made  a  saving  retreat  of  about  eight  or  nine  miles.  I 
could  not  get  all  the  wounded  off.  We  have  killed  two  of  the 
enemy  to  one  of  ours  killed  by  them.  We  want  ammunition  and 
some  provisions  sent  on  to  us  ;  also  sleighs  for  the  wounded. 

If  you  can  send  me  three  hundred  men  all  shall  be  retaken,  and 
Prescott  too,  or  I  will  lose  my  life  in  the  attempt.  I  shall  write 
you  more  particularly  to-day. 

Your  obedient  servant, 

BENJ.  FORSYTH. 

General  Macomb. 


MESSAGE  OF  MR.  MADISON. 

To  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States. 

I  lay  before  Congress  copies  of  a  proclamation  of  the  Britisli 
lieutenant-governor  of  the  island  of  Bermuda,  which  has  appeared 
under  circumstances  leaving  no  doubt  of  its  authenticity.  It 
recites  a  British  order  in  council  of  the  26th  of  Ociober  last, 
providing  for  the  supply  of  the  British  W"est  Indies,  and  other 
colonial  possessions,  by  a  trade  under  special  licenses,  arid  is 
accompanied  by  a  circular  instruction  to  the  colonial  governors, 
which  confines^  licensed  importations  from  ports  of  the  United 
States  to  the  ports  of  the  eastern  states  exclusively. 

The  government  of  Great  Britain  had  already  introduced  into 
lier  commerce,  during:  the  war,  a  system,  which,  at  once  violating 


137 

the  rights  of  other  nations,  and  resting  on  a  mass  of  forgery  and 
perjury  unknown  to  other  times,  was  making  an  unfortunate 
progress  in  undermining  those  principles  of  morality  and  religion 
which  are  the  best  foundation  of  national  happiness. 

The  policy  now  proclaimed  to  the  world,  introduces  into  her 
modes  of  warfare,  a  system  equally  distinguished  by  the  deformity 
of  its  features,  and  the  depravity  of  its  character ;  having  for  its 
object  to  dissolve  the  ties  of  allegiance,  and  the  sentiments  of 
loyalty  in  the  adversary  nation,  and  to  reduce  and  separate  its 
component  parts,  the  one  from  the  other. 

The  general  tendency  of  these  demoralizing  and  disorganizing 
contrivances  will  be  reprobated  by  the  civilized  and  Christian, 
world ;  and  the  insulting  attempt,  on  the  virtue,  the  honour,  the 
patriotism,  and  the  fidelity  of  our  brethren  of  the  eastern  states, 
will  not  fail  to  call  forth  all  their  indignation  and  resentment,  and 
to  attach  more  and  more  all  the  states  to  that  happy  union  and 
constitution,  against  which  such  insidious  and  malignant  artifices 
are  directed. 

The  better  to  guard,  nevertheless,  against  the  effect  of  indivi 
dual  cupidity  and  treachery,  and  to  turn  the  corrupt  project  of 
the  enemy  against  himself,  I  recommend  to  the  consideration  of 
Congress,  the  expediency  of  an  effectual  prohibition  of  any  trade 
whatever,  by  citizens  or  inhabitants  of  the  United  States,  under 
special  licenses,  whether  relating  to  persons  or  ports,  and  in  aid 
thereof  a  prohibition  of  exportations  from  the  United  States  in 
foreign  bottoms,  few  of  which  are  actually  employed,  whilst  mul 
tiplying  counterfeits  of  their  flags  and  papers,  are  covering  and 
encouraging  the  navigation  of  the  enemy. 

*  JAMES  MADISON. 

February  24-th,  1813. 


SACKETTS  HARBOR,  March  3d,  1813. 
SIR, 

Having  been  informed  that  sir  George  Prevosthad  adjourned 
the  legislature  at  Quebec,  assigning  as  his  motive  that  his  majes 
ty's  service  required  his  presence  in  Upper  Canada  ;  and  having 
received  certain  information  of  his  having  passed  Montreal,  and 
having  arrived  at  Kingston,  I  set  out  immediately  for  this  place, 
having  ordered  the  force  at  Greenbush,  and  part  of  colonel  Pike's 
command,  in  sleighs  for  this  place.  I  arrived  here  in  fifty -two 
hours.  I  am  now  satisfied  from  such  information  as  is  entitled  to 
full  credit,  that  a  force  has  been  collected  from  Quebec,  Montreal, 
and  Upper  Canada,  of  from  six  to  eight  thousand  men,  at  Kingston, 
arid  that  we  may  expect  an  attack  in  forty-eight  hours  and  per 
haps  sooner. 

The  militia  have  been  called  in,  and  every  effort  will,  I  trust,  be 
made  to  defend  the  post ;  but  I  fear  neither  the  troops  from  Green 
18 


138 

bush  nor  Plattsburg  will  arrive  in  season  to  afford  their  aid.  I 
should  feel  easier  if  colonel  Pike  should  arrive  in  season.  1  am  in 
want  of  officers  of  experience.  I  have  sent  expresses  to  have 
them  hurried  on.  Commodore  Chauncey  has  not  arrived  ;  he 
will  be  here  to-morrow.  The' armed  vessels  have  not  been  placed 
in  the  positions  intended  by  the  commodore.  Our  total  force  may 
be  estimated  at  nearly  3000  of  all  descriptions. 

Sir  George  Prevost  is  represented  to  be  determined  to  effect 
his  object  at  all  events,  and  will  undoubtedly  make  every  effort  in 
his  power  for  the  purpose.  We  shall,  I  trust,  give  him  a  warm 
reception ;  but  if  his  force  is  such  as  is  expected,  and  should  make 
an  attack  before  our  troops  arrive  from  Greenbush  and  Plattsburg, 
at  Sackett's  Harbor,  the  result  may  at  least  be  doubtful. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 
H.  DEARBORN. 

Honourable  John  Armstrong. 


HEAD  QUARTERS,  FRANKLINTON,  March  12th,  1813. 

SIR, 

I  had  the  honour  to  inform  you  in  my  letter  of  the  25th  ulti 
mo,  that  1  had  organized  a  detachment  for  the  purpose  of  striking 
a  blow  at  the  vessels  of  war  of  the  enemy  lying  near  Maiden. 
Captain  Langham,  with  abouttwo  hundred  and  fifty  men,  in  thirty 
sleds  and  sleighs,  set  out  from  Lower  Sandusky  on  the  2d  instant, 
and  proceeded  as  far  as  Bass  island,  in  the  lake,  without  difficulty. 
Contrary,  however,  to  the  experience  of  former  years,  the  lake 
beyond  was  found  to  be  entirely  open.  He  was  therefore  obliged 
to  return  to  the  Miami  bay,  where  I  met  him  with  a  detachment 
that  was  intended  to  cover  his  retreat.  Finding  that  the  original 
design  was  rendered  abortive,  I  had  determined  upon  an  expedi 
tion  to  the  river  Raisin,  for  the  purpose  of  burying  the  remains  of 
our  unfortunate  countrymen  who  fell  on  the  22d  January.  But 
the  ice  was  so  \\-eak  as  no  longer  to  afford  a  safe  passage  along  the 
edge  of  the  lake.  Our  horses  were  constantly  breaking  through, 
and  one  man  was  unfortunately  drowned.  I  therefore  returned  to 
camp  with  the  whole  detachment,  and  on  the  7th  instant  set  out 
for  this  place.  I  left  general  Leftwich  in  command  at  camp  Meigs. 
Indeed  the  cause  which  prevented  the  advance  of  iny  detachment 
to  the  river  Raisin,  would  also  prevent  the  enemy  from  approaching 
the  Rapids,  at  least  with  artillery. 

I  have  the  honour  to  enclose  herewith  a  plan  of  camp  Meigs. 
The  redoubt  marked  F.  is  yet  to  be  erected. 

Colonel  Morrison  has  determined  to  resign  his  appointment  as 
deputy  quarter  master  general.  There  is  not  a  man  in  the  United 
States  who  is,  in  my  opinion,  capable  of  discharging  the  duties  of 
that  department  with  as  much  advantage  to  the  public  as  himself. 
He  is  lost  to  the  service  in  consequence  of  the  singular  arrange- 


139 

ment  which  was  made  by  the  late  secretary  of  war,  of 'sending;  on 
another  deputy  quarter  master  general  with  equal  powers  tj  'hose 
vested  in  colonel  Morrison.  Since  the  departure  of  captain  Platt, 
I  have  used  my  utmost  endeavours  to  prevail  upon  colonel  Morrison 
to  continue  in  service,  but  he  perseveres  in  his  determination  to 
retire  at  the  end  of  this  month.  A  report  has  reached  us  this 
jnorning  that  general  Lewis  is  appointed  a  major  general.  Should 
this  be  the  case,  I  am  convinced  that  the  interets  of  our  country 
would  be  greatly  promoted  by  the  appointment  of  colonel  Morrison 
to  succeed  him.  The  duties  of  quarter  master  to  the  north  west 
ern  army,  do  not  require  so  much  military  information  as  is  neces 
sary  for  the  officer  at  the  head  of  that  department  in  the  other 
sections  of  the  union.  An  intimate  knowledge  of  the  western 
country  and  its  resources,  with  integrity  and  activity,  are  the 
essential  qualifications.  These  are  possessed  by  John  C.  Bartlett, 
esq.  acting  at  present  as  field  commissary  in  an  eminent  degree. 
He  would  possess  moreover  the  confidence  of  the  western  country, 
particularly  ef  Kentucky. 

I  have  not  yet  had  the  honour  to  receive  any  communication, 
from  you  upon  the  subject  of  the  organization  of  the  force  for  the 
ensuing  campaign. 

With  great  respect,  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

WILLIAM  HENRY  HARRISON, 

The  Secretary  of  War. 


HEAD  QUARTERS,  CHILICOTHE,  March  17th,  1813. 

SIR, 

The  known  candour  of  your  character  is  a  sufficient  security 
for  my  receiving  your  pardon  for  the  liberty  I  take  in  making 
objections  to  the  plan  of  operations  communicated  in  your  letter 
of  the  5th  instant.  If  there  is  a  positive  certainty  of  our  getting 
the  command  of  lake  Erie,  and  having  a  regular  force  of  three 
thousand  five  hundred,  or  even  three  thousand,  well  disciplined 
men,  the  proposed  plan  of  setting  out  from  Cleveland,  and  land 
ing  on  the  northern  shore  below  Maiden,  would  perhaps  be  the 
one  by  which  that  place  and  its  dependencies  could  be  most 
easily  reduced.  I  am  unacquainted  with  the  extent  of  the  prepa 
rations  that  are  making  to  obtain  the  naval  superiority  on  lake 
Erie ;  but,  should  they  fail,  and  the  troops  be  assembled  at  Cleve 
land,  it  would  be  difficult  to  get  again  upon  the  proper  track  for 
making  the  attack  round  the  head  of  the  lake.  The  attempt  to 
cross  the  lake  from  Cleveland  should  not  be  made  with  any  other 
than  well  disciplined  troops.  A  comparatively  smaller  number 
of  men  of  this  description  could  effect  the  object,  and  for  those 
the  means  of  conveyance  might  be  obtained ;  but  the  means  of 
transporting  such  an  army  as  would  be  required  of  nvilitia,  or 
undisciplined  regulars,  could  not  be  procured.  I  cau  see  ne 


140 

reason  why  Cleveland  should  be  preferred  as  the  point  of  em 
barkation  for  the  troops,  or  the  deposit  for  the  provisions  and 
stores.  These  are  already  accumulated  at  the  Rapids  of  Miami, 
or  in  situations  easily  to  be  sent  thither,  to  an  amount  nearly 
equal  to  the  consumption  of  a  protracted  campaign.  Although 
the  expense  and  difficulty  of  transporting  the  provisions,  artillery, 
and  stores  for  an  army,  round  the  head  of  the  lake,  would  be 
very  considerable,  the  lake  being  possessed  by  our  ships,  and  the 
heavy  baggage  taken  in  boats  along  the  margin,  the  troops  would 
find  no  difficulty  in  the  land  route.  The  force  contemplated  in 
your  letter  is,  in  my  opinion,  not  sufficient  to  secure  success. 
Admitting  that  the  whole  should  be  raised  by  the  time  pointed 
out,  they  would  be  very  little  superior  to  militia;  the  officers 
having,  with  scarcely  an  exception,  to  learn  their  duty  before  they 
could  instruct  their  men ;  we  have,  therefore,  no  alternative  but 
to  make  up  by  numbers  the  deficiency  in  discipline. 

I  am  well  aware  of  the  intolerable  expense  which  attends 
the  employment  of  a  large  militia  force.  We  are  now,  however, 
in  a  situation  to  avoid  those  errors,  which  made  that  of  the  last 
campaign  no  peculiarly  heavy.  Our  supplies  are  procured,  and 
so  deposited,  that  the  period  for  the  march  of  the  army  from  the 
advanced  posts  can  be  ascertained  to  an  hour,  and  of  course  the 
troops  need  not  be  called  out  until  the  moment  they  are  to  act. 
Experience  has  convinced  me  that  militia  are  more  efficient  in 
the  early,  than  in  the  latter  part  of  their  service.  Upon  the 
whole,  it  is  my  decided  opinion  that  the  Rapids  of  Miami  should 
be  the  point  of  rendezvous  for  the  troops,  as  well  as  the  principal 
depot ;  indeed  it  must  necessarily  be  the  first  deposit, — the  pro 
visions  of  the  army  are  so  placed,  that  they  can  be  taken  to  the 
lake  in  no  other  way.  The  artillery  and  a  considerable  supply  of 
ammunition  are  already  there.  Boats  and  perogues  have  been 
built  in  considerable  numbers  on  the  Auglaize  and  St.  Mary's  ri 
vers  ;  and  every  exertion  is  now  making  to  increase  them,  intended 
for  the  double  purpose  of  taking  down  the  provisions  to  the  Ra 
pids,  and  for  coasting  the  lake  with  the  baggage  of  the  army  in 
its  advance.  I  had  calculated  on  being  able  partially  to  use  this 
mode  of  transportation,  even  if  the  enemy  should  continue  his 
naval  superiority  on  the  lake ;  but  with  this  advantage  on  our  side, 
the  whole  baggage  of  the  army  could  be  safely  and  expeditiously 
carried  along  the  coast  in  the  boats  and  perogues,  which  could 
be  taken  into  the  strait  to  transport  the  army  to  the  Canada  shore. 
As  I  have  before  observed,  the  army,  unincumbered  with  heavy 
baggage,  would  find  no  difficulty  in  marching  round  the  lake  at 
any  season,  but  what  the  enemy  would  create,  and  we  have  the 
means  of  subsisting  a  force  that  would  be  irresistible. 

The  objections  to  proceeding  this  way,  stated  in  rny  letter  to 
colonel  Monroe,  arose  from  the  time  that  would  be  necessary  to 
construct  boats  after  we  should  have  arrived  at  the  strait ;  but 
this  objection  is  entirely  obviated,  by  our  obtaining  the  command 


I'll 

of  the  lake,  as  the  boats  and  perogues  built  upon  the  Miami  will 
answer  the  purpose.  With  regard  to  the  quantum  of  force,  my 
opinion  is,  that  not  only  the  regular  troops,  designated  in  your  let 
ter,  but  a  large  auxiliary  corps  of  militia  should  be  employed. 
The  only  objection  arises  from  the  expensiveness  of  troops  of  that 
description,.  This,  however,  could  not  be  an  object,  consider 
ing  the  very  short  time  that  it  would  be  necessary  to  employ  them. 
Let  the  moment  for  the  commencement  of  the  march  from  the 
Rapids  be  fixed,  and  the  militia  might  be  taken  to  that  point, 
proceed  and  accomplish  the  object,  and  return  home  in  two- 
months. 

Amongst  the  reasons  which  make  it  necessary  to  employ  a  large 
force,  I  am  sorry  to  mention  the  dismay  and  disinclination  to  the 
service  which  appears  to  prevail  in  the  western  country.  Numbers 
must  give  that  confidence  which  ought  to  be  produced  by  con 
scious  valour  and  intrepidity,  which  never  existed  in  any  army  in  a 
superior  degree,  than  amongst  the  great  part  of  the  militia  which 
were  with  me  through  the  winter.  The  new  drafts  from  this  state 
are  entirely  of  another  character,  and  are  not  to  be  depended  upon. 
I  have  no  doubt,  however,  but  a  sufficient  number  of  good  men. 
can  be  procured,  and  should  they  be  allowed  to  serve  on  horse 
back,  Kentucky  would  furnish  some  regiments  that  would  not  be 
inferior  to  those  that  fought  at  the  river  Raisin,  and  they  were,  in 
my  opinion,  superior  to  any  militia  that  ever  took  the  field  in 
modern  times.  Eight  troops  of  cavalry  have  been  formed  in 
Kentucky  to  offer  me  their  service ;  and  several  of  them  were 
intended  for  twelve  month's  volunteers.  Governor  Shelby  has 
some  thought  of  taking  the  field  in  person — a  number  of  good 
men  will  follow  him.  He  thinks  that  an  address  from  me  to  the 
people  of  the  state  would  produce  a  good  effect.  I  have  strong 
objections  to  those  addresses,  but  will  nevertheless  have  recourse 
to  one,  should  other  means  fail  of  bringing  forward  a  sufficient 
force.  Every  exertion  shall,  in  the  mean  time,  be  used  to  forward 
the  recruiting  service ;  for  a  few  weeks  I  think  that  my  services 
would  be  more  useful  in  that,  than  any  other  employment. 
I  have  the  honour  to  be  yours,  &c. 

WILLIAM  HENRY  HARRISON, 

Hon.  John  Armstrong1. 


UNITED  STATES*  SHIP  HORNET, 

Holmes'  Hole,  March  19th,  1813, 

SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  inform  you  of  the  arrival,  at  this  port, 
of  the  United  States'  ship  Hornet,  under  my  command,  from  a 
cruise  of  145  days,  and  to  state  to  you,  that  after  commodore 
Bainbridge  left  the  coast  of  Brazils,  (on  the  6th  of  January  last,) 
(he  Hornet  continued  off  the  harbour  of  St.  Salvador,  blockading 


142 

the  Bonne  Citoyenne  until  the  24th,  when  the  Montagu  74  hove 
in  sight  and  chased  me  into  the  harbour ;  but  night  com'ng  on,  I 
wore  and  stood  to  the  southward.  Knowing  that  she  had  left 
Rio  Janeiro  for  the  express  purpose  of  relieving  the  Bonne  Cito 
yenne  and  the  packet,  (which  I  had  also  blockaded  for  fourteen 
days,  and  obliged  her  to  send  her  mail  to  Rio,  in  a  Portuguese 
smack,)  I  judged  it  most  prudent  to  change  my  cruising  ground, 
and  stood  to  the  eastward,  with  the  view  of  cruising  off  Pernam- 
buco, — and  on  the  4th  day  of  February,  captured  the  English  brig 
Resolution,  from  Rio  Janeiro,  bound  to  Moranham,  with  coffee, 
jerked  beef,  flour,  fustic  and  butter,  and  about  25,000  dollars  in 
specie.  As  the  brig  sailed  dull,  and  could  ill  spare  hands  to  man 
her,  I  took  out  the  money  and  set  her  on  tire.  I  then  run  down 
the  coast  for  Moranham,  and  cruised  there  a  short  time ;  from 
thence  ran  off  Surrinam.  After  cruising  off  that  coast  from  the 
5th  to  the  22d  of  February,  without  meeting  a  vessel,  I  stood  for 
Demarara,  with  an  intention,  should  I  not  be  fortunate  on  that 
station,  to  run  through  the  West  Indies,  on  my  way  to  the  United 
States.  But  on  the  morning  of  the  24th,  I  discovered  a  brig  to 
leeward,  to  which  I  gave  chase ;  ran  into  quarter  less  four,  and 
not  having  a  pilot,  was  obliged  to  haul  off — the  fort  at  the  entrance 
of  Damarara  river  at  this  time  bearing  south  west,  distance  about 
2£  leagues.  Previously  to  giving  up  the  chase,  I  discovered  a 
vessel  at  anchor  without  the  bar,  with  English  colours  flying,  ap 
parently  a  brig  of  war.  In  beating  round  Corobano  bank,  in  or 
der  to  get  at  her,  at  half  past  3  P.  M.  I  discovered  another  sail 
on  my  weather  quarter,  edging  down  for  us.  At  4  20  minutes  she 
hoisted  English  colours,  at  which  time  we  discovered  her  to  be  a 
large  man  of  war  brig ; — beat  to  quarters,  and  cleared  ship  for 
action ;  kept  close  by  the  wind,  in  order,  if  possible,  to  get  the 
weather  gage.  At  5  10  minutes,  finding  I  could  weather  the  ene 
my,  I  hoisted  American  colours,  and  tacked.  At  5  20  minutes, 
in  passing  each  other,  exchanged  broadsides  within  half  pistol 
shot.  Observing  the  enemy  in  the  act  of  wearing,  I  bore  up, 
received  his  starboard  broadside,  ran  him  close  on  board  on  the 
starboard  quarter,  and  kept  up  such  a  heavy  and  well  directed 
fire,  that  in  less  than  fifteen  minutes  he  surrendered,  being  lite 
rally  cut  to  pieces,  and  hoisted  an  ensign,  union  down,  from  his 
fore  rigging,  as  a  signal  of  distress.  Shortly  after,  his  main -mast 
went  by  the  board  : — despatched  lieutenant  Shubrick  on  board, 
who  soon  returned  with  her  first  lieutenant,  who  reported  her  to 
be  his  Britannic  majesty's  late  brig  Peacock,  commanded  by  cap 
tain  William  Peake,  who  fell  in  the  latter  part  of  the  action — that 
a  number  of  her  crew  were  killed  and  wounded,  and  that  she  was 
sinking  fast,  having  then  six  feet  of  water  in  her  hold : — des 
patched  the  boats  immediately  for  the  wounded,  and  brought  both 
vessels  to  anchor.  Such  shot  holes  as  could  be  got  at,  were  then 
plugged ;  her  guns  thrown  overboard,  and  every  possible  exertion 
used  to  keep  her  afloat,  until  the  prisoners  could  be  removed,  by 


143 

pumping  and  bailing,  but  without  effect,  and  she  unfortunately 
sunk  in  five  and  a  half  fathoms  waters,  carrying  down  thirteen  of 
her  crew,  and  three  of  my  brave  fellows,  viz :  John  Hart,  Joseph 
Williams,  and  Hannibal  Boyd.  Lieutenant  Conner,  midshipman 
Cooper,  and  the  remainder  of  the  Hornet's  crew,  employed  in 
removing  the  prisoners,  with  difficulty  saved  themselves  by  jump 
ing  in  a  boat  that  was  lying  on  her  bows  as  she  went  down.  Four 
men,  of  the  thirteen  mentioned,  were  so  fortunate  as  to  gain  the 
foretop,  and  were  afterwards  taken  oft'  by  the  boats.  Previous  to 
her  going  down,  four  of  her  men  took  to  her  stern  boat,  which  had 
been  much  damaged  during  the  action,  which  I  hope  reached  the 
shore  in  safety :  but  from  the  heavy  sea  running  at  the  time,  the 
shattered  state  of  the  boat,  and  the  difficulty  of  landing  on  the 
coast,  I  much  fear  they  were  lost.  I  have  not  been  able  to  ascer 
tain  from  her  officers  the  exact  number  killed.  Captain  Peake 
and  four  men  were  found  dead  on  board.  The  master,  one  mid 
shipman,  carpenter,  and  captain's  clerk,  and  twenty-nine  seamen 
were  wounded,  most  of  them  very  severely,  three  of  whom  died 
of  their  wounds  after  being  removed,  ami  nine  drowned.  Our 
loss  was  trifling  in  comparison.  John  Place,  killed ;  Samuel 
Coulsan  and  Joseph  Dalrymple,  slightly  wounded ;  George  Coffin 
and  Lewis  Todd,  severely  burnt  by  the  explosion  of  a  cartridge. 
Todd  survived  only  a  few  days.  Our  rigging  and  sails  were  much 
cut ;  one  shot  through  the  fore-mast,  and  the  bowsprit  slightly 
injured.  Our  hull  received  little  or  no  damage.  At  the  time  the 
Peacock  was  brought  to  action,  the  L'Espeigle,  (the  brig  men 
tioned  above  as  being  at  anchor)  mounting  sixteen  two  and  thirty 
pound  carronades,  and  two  long  nines,  lay  about  six  miles  in  shore, 
and  could  plainly  see  the  whole  of  the  action.  Apprehensive  that 
she  would  beat  out  to  the  assistance  of  her  consort,  such  exertions 
were  made  by  my  officers  and  crew  in  repairing  damages,  &c. 
that  by  9  o'clock  the  boats  were  stowed,  a  new  set  of  sails  bent, 
and  the  ship  completely  ready  for  action.  At  2  A.  M.  got  under 
weigh,  and  stood  by  the  wind  to  the  northward  and  westward, 
under  easy  sail. 

On  mustering  next  morning,  found  we  had  277  souls  on  board, 
including  the  crew  of  the  American  brig  Hunter,  of  Portland, 
taken  a  few  days  before  by  the  Peacock.  And,  as  we  had  been 
on  two-thirds  allowance  of  provisions  for  some  time,  and  had  but 
3,400  gallons  of  water  on  board,  I  reduced  the  allowance  to  three 
pints  a  man,  and  determined  to  make  the  best  of  my  way  to  the 
United  States.  - 

The  Peacock  was  deservedly  styled  one  of  the  finest  vessels 
of  her  class  in  the  British  navy,  probably  about  the  tonnage  of 
the  Hornet.  Her  beam  was  greater  by  five  inches ;  but  her  ex 
treme  length  not  so  great  by  four  feet.  She  mounted  sixteen 
twenty-four  pound  carronades,  two  long  nines,  one  twelve  pound 
carronade  on  her  top-gallaut-forecastle,  as  a  shifting  gun,  and  one 
four  or  six  pounder,  and  two  swivels  mounted  aft.  4 1  find  by  her 


144 

quarter  bill,  that  her  crew  consisted  of  134  men,  four  of  whom 
were  absent  in  a  prize. 

The  cool  and  determined  conduct  of  my  officers  and  crew  dur 
ing  the  action,  and  their  almost  unexampled  exertions  afterwards, 
entitle  them  to  my  warmest  acknowledgments,  and  I  beg  leave 
most  earnestly  to  recommend  them  to  the  notice  of  government. 

By  the  indisposition  of  lieutenant  Stewart,  I  was  deprived  of 
the  services  of  an  excellent  officer :  had  he  been  able  to  stand 
the  deck,  I  am  confident  his  exertions  would  not  have  been  sur 
passed  by  anj  one  on  board.  I  should  be  doing  injustice  to  the 
merits  of  lieutenant  Shubrick,  and  acting  lieutenants  Conner  and 
Newton,  were  I  not  to  recommend  them  particularly  to  your  no 
tice.  Lieutenant  Shubrick  was  in  the  actions  with  the  Guerriere 
and  Java.  Captain  Hull  and  commodore  Bainbridge  can  bear 
testimony  as  to  his  coolness  and  good  conduct  on  both  occasions. 
With  the  greatest  respect,  I  remain,  &c. 

JAMES  LAWRENCE. 
Hon.  Wm.  Jones,  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 

P.  S.  At  the  commencement  of  the  action  my  sailing  master 
and  seven  men  were  absent  in  a  prize,  and  lieutenant  Stewart  and 
six  men  on  the  sick  list. 


BRIGADE  ORDER. 

SACKETT'S  HATIBOR,  April  25th,  1813. 

When  the  debarkation  shall  take  place  on  the  enemy's  shore, 
major  Forsyth's  light  troops,  formed  in  four  platoons,  shall  be  first 
landed.  They  will  advance  a  small  distance  from  the  shore,  and 
form  the  chain  to  cover  the  landing  of  the  troops.  They  will  not 
lire,  unless  they  discover  the  approach  of  a  body  of  the  enemy, 
but  will  make  prisoners  of  every  person  who  may  be  passing,  and 
send  to  the  general.  They  will  be  followed  by  the  regimental 
platoons  of  the  first  brigade,  with  two  pieces  of  Brook's  artillery, 
one  on  the  right  and  one  on  the  left  flank,  covered  by  their  mus 
ketry,  and  the  small  detachments  of  riflemen,  of  the  15th  and 
16th  infantry.  Then  will  be  landed  the  three  platoons  of  the 
reserve  of  the  first  brigade,  under  major  Swan ;  then  major  Eustis, 
with  his  train  of  artillery,  covered  by  his  own  musketry ;  then 
colonel  M'Clure's  volunteers  in  four  platoons,  followed  by  the 
21st  regiment,  in  six  platoons.  When  the  troops  shall  move  in 
column,  either  to  meet  the  enemy  or  take  a  position,  it  will  be  in 
the  following  order,  viz,:  1st,  Forsyth's  riflemen,  with  proper 
front  and  flank  guards ;  the  regiments  of  the  first  brigade,  with 
their  pieces;  then  three  platoons  of  reserve ;  major  Eustis's  train 


145 

of  artillery ;  volunteer  corps ;  twenty-first  regiment ;  each  corps 
sending  out  proper  flank -guards.  When  the  enemy  shall  be  dis 
covered  in  front,  the  riflemen  will  form  the  chain,  and  maintain 
their  ground,  until  they  have  the  signal  (the  preparative)  or  receive 
orders  to  retire,  at  which  they  will  retreat  with  the  greatest  velo 
city,  and  form  equally  on  the  two  flanks  of  the  regiments  of  the 
first  brigade,  and  then  renew  their  tire.  The  three  reserve  pla 
toons  of  this  line  will  form  under  the  orders  of  major  Swan,  one 
hundred  yards  in  the  rear  of  the  colours,  ready  to  support  any 
part  which  may  show  an  unsteady  countenance.  Major  Eustis 
and  his  train  will  form  in  the  rear  of  this  reserve,  ready  to  act 
where  circumstances  may  dictate. 

The  second  line  will  be  composed  of  the  21  st  infantry,  in  six 
platoons,  flanked  by  colonel  M'Clure's  volunteers,  equally  divided, 
as  light  troops.  The  whole  under  the  orders  of  colonel  Ripley. 

It  is  expected  that  every  corps  will  be  mindful  of  the  honour  of 
the  American  arms,  and  the  disgraces  which  have  recently  tarnish 
ed  our  arms  ;  and  endeavour,  by  a  cool  and  determined  discharge 
of  their  duty,  to  support  the  one,  and  wipe  oft'  the  other.  The 
riflemen  in  front  will  maintain  their  ground  at  all  hazards,  until 
ordered  to  retire,  as  will  every  corps  of  the  army.  With  an  as 
surance  of  being  dulv  supported,  should  the  commanding  general 
find  it  prudent  to  withdraw  the  front  line,  he  will  give  orders  to 
retire  by  the  heads  of  platoons,  covered  by  the  riflemen  ;  and  the 
second  line  will  advance  by  the  heads  of  platoons,  pass  the  inter 
vals,  and  form  the  line ;  call  in  the  light  troops,  and  renew  the 
action  :  but  the  general  may  find  it  proper  to  bring  up  the  second 
line,  on  one  or  both  flanks,  to  charge  in  columns,  or  perform  a  variety 
of  manouvres  which  it  would  be  impossible  to  foresee.  But  as  a 
general  rule,  whatever  may  be  the  directions  of  line  at  the  com 
mencement  of  the  action,  the  corps  will  form  as  before  directed. 
If  they  then  advance  in  line,  it  may  be  in  parallel  eschelons  of 
platoons,  or  otherwise,  as  the  ground  or  circumstances  may  dic 
tate. 

No  man  will  load  until  ordered,  except  the  light  troops  in  front, 
until  within  a  short  distance  of  the  enemy,  and  then  charge  bayo 
nets  ;  thus  letting  the  enemy  see,  that  we  can  meet  them  with 
their  own  weapons.  Any  man  firing,  or  quitting  his  post,  without 
orders,  must  be  pat  to  instant  death,  as  an  example  may  be  neces 
sary.  Platoon  officers  will  pay  the  greatest  attention  to  the  cool 
ness  and  aim  of  their  men  in  the  fire ;  their  regularity  and  dress 
ing  in  the  charge.  The  field  officers  will  watch  over  the  conduct 
of  the  whole.  Courage  and  bravery  in  the  field  do  not  more  dis 
tinguish  the  soldier,  than  humanity  after  victory ;  and  whatever 
examples  the  savage  allies  of  our  enemies  may  have  given  us,  the 
general  confidently  hopes,  that  the  blood  of  an  unresisting  or 
yielding  enemy,  will  never  stain  the  weapons  of  ike  soldiers  of  his 
column. 

19 


146 

The  unoffending  citizens  of  Canada  are  many  of  them  our  own 
countrymen,  and  the  poor  Canadians  have  been  forced  into  the 
war.  Their  property,  therefore,  must  be  held  sacred ;  and  any 
soldier  who  shall  so  far  neglect  the  honour  of  his  profession  as  to 
be  guilty  of  plundering  the  inhabitants,  shall,  if  convicted,  be 
punished  with  death.  But  the  commanding  general  assures  the 
troops,  that  should  they  capture  a  large  quantity  of  public  stores, 
he  will  use  his  best  endeavours  to  procure  them  a  reward  from  his 
government. 

This  order  shall  be  read  at  the  head  of  each  corps,  and  every 
field  officer  shall  carry  a  copy,  in  order  that  he  may  at  any  mo 
ment  refer  to  it ;  and  give  explanations  to  his  subordinates. 

All  those  found  in  arms  in  the  enemy's  country,  shall  be  treated 
as  enemies ;  but  those  who  are  peaceably  following  the  pursuits 
of  their  various  vocations,  friends — and  their  property  respect 
ed. 

By  order  of  the  brigadier  general, 

Z.  M.  PIKE. 

CHARLES  G.  JOITES, 

assistant  aid-de-camp. 


UNITED  STATES'  SHIP  MADISON, 

at  anchor  off  York,  Upper  Canada,  April  28th,  1813. 

SlR, 

\  Agreeably  to  your  instructions  and  arrangements  with  major 
general  Dearborn,  I  took  on  board  the  squadron  under  my  com 
mand,',  the  general  and  suite,  and  about  1700  troops,  and  left 
Sackett's  Harbor  on  the  25th  instant  for  this  place.  We  arrived 
here  yesterday  morning,  and  took  a  position  about  one  mile  soutli 
and  westward  of  the  enemy's  principal  fort,  and  as  near  the  shore 
as  we  could,  with  safety  to  the  vessels.  The  place  fixed  upon  by 
the  major  general  and  myself  for  landing  the  troops,  was  the  site 
of  the  old  "French  fort  Tarento. 

The  debarkation  commenced  about  8  o'clock  A.  M.  and  was 
completed  about  ten.  The  wind  blowing  heavy  from  the  cast- 
ward,  the 'boats  fell  to  leeward  of  the  position  fixed  upon,  and 
were,  in  consequence,  exposed  to  a  galling  fire  of  the  enemy,  who 
had  taken  a  position  in  a  thick  wood  near  where  the  first  troops 
landed;  however,  the  cool  intrepidity  of  the  officers  and  men 
.overcame  every  obstacle.  Their  attack  upon  the  enemy  was  so 
vigorous,  that  he  fled  in  every  direction,  leaving  a  great  many  of 
his  killed  and  wounded  upon  the  field.  As  soon  as  the  troops 
were  landed,  I  directed  the  schooners  to  take  a  position  near  the 
forts,  in  order  that  the  attack  on  them  by  the  army  and  navy  might 
be  simultaneous.  The  schooners  were  obliged  to  beat  up  to  their 
position,  which  they  did  in  a  very  handsome  order,  under  a  very 
heavy  fire  from  the  enemy's  batteries,  and  took  a  position  within 


147 

about  six  hundred  yards  of  their  principal  fort,  and  opened  a 
heavy  cannonade  upon  the  enemy,  which  did  great  execu-  ion,  and 
very  much  contributed  to  their  final  destruction.  The  troops, 
as  soon  as  landed,  were  formed  under  the  immediate  orders  of 
brigadier  general  Pike,  who  led  in  a  most  gallant  manner  the  at 
tack  upon  the  forts,  and  after  having  carried  two  redoubts  in  their 
approach  to  their  principal  works,  the  enemy  (having  previously 
laid  a  train)  blew  up  his  magazine,  which  in  its  effects  upon  our 
troops,  was  dreadful,  having  killed  and  wounded  a  great  many, 
and  amongst  the  former,  the  ever  to  be  lamented  brigadier  general 
Pike,  who  fell  at  the  head  of  his  column  by  a  contusion  received 
by  a  heavy  stone  from  the  magazine.  His  death  at  this  time,  is 
much  to  be  regretted,  as  he  had  the  perfect  confidence  of  the 
major  general;  and  his  known  activity,  zeal  and  experience, 
make  his  loss  a  national  one. 

In  consequence  of  the  fall  of  general  Pike,  the  command  of 
the  troops  devolved,  for  a  time,  upon  colonel  Pearce,  who  soon 
after  took  possession  of  the  town.  About  2  P.  M.  the  American 
flag  was  substituted  for  the  British,  and  at  about  four  our  troops 
were  in  quiet  possession  of  the  town.  As  soon  as  general  Dear 
born  learned  the  situation  of  general  Pike,  he  landed,  and  assumed 
the  command.  I  have  the  honour  of  enclosing  a  copy  of  the 
capitulation  which  was  entered  into,  and  approved  by  general 
Dearborn  and  myself. 

The  enemy  set  fire  to  some  of  his  principal  stores,  containing 
large  quantities  of  naval  and  military  stores,  as  well  as  a  large 
ship  upon  the  stocks,  nearly  finished.  The  only  vessel  found 
here,  is  the  Duke  of  Gloucester,  undergoing  repairs.  The  Prince 
Regent  left  here  on  the  24th,  for  Kingston.  We  have  not  yet 
had  a  return  made  of  the  naval  and  military  stores  ;  consequently 
can  form  no  idea  of  the  quantity,  but  have  made  arrangements  to 
have  all  taken  on  board  that  we  can  receive ;  the  rest  will  be  des 
troyed. 

I  have  to  regret  the  death  of  midshipmen  Thompson  and  Hat- 
field,  and  several  seamen  killed — the  exact  number  I  do  not 
know,  as  the  returns  from  the  different  vessels  have  not  yet  been 
received.  From  the  judicious  arrangements  made  by  general 
Dearborn,  I  presume  that  the  public  stores  will  be  disposed  of, 
so  that  the  troops  will  be  ready  to  re-embark  to  morrow,  and  pro 
ceed  to  execute  other  objects  of  the  expedition  the  first  fair  wind. 
I  cannot  speak  in  too  much  praise  of  the  cool  intrepidity  of  the 
officers  and  men  generally,  under  my  command,  and  I  feel  my 
self  particularly  indebted  to  the  officers  commanding  vessels,  for 
their  zeal  in  seconding  my  views. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be  yours,  &c. 

IBAAC  CHAUNCJEY, 

Honourable  William  Jones, 

Secretary  of  the  Navy, 


148 

HEAD  QUARTERS,  YORK,  UPPER  CANADA, 

April  28th,  1813, 

SIR, 

After  a  detention  of  some  days,  by  adverse  winds,  we  ar* 
rived  here  yesterday  morning,  and  at  8  o'clock  commenced  landing 
our  troops,  about  three  miles  westward  of  the  town,  and  one  and 
a  half  from  the  enemy's  works.  The  wind  was  high  and  in  an 
unfavourable  direction  for  our  boats,  which  prevented  the  troops 
landing  at  a  clear  field,  the  ancient  site  of  the  French  fort  Ta- 
rento.  The  unfavourable  wind  prevented  as  many  of  the  armed 
vessels  from  taking  such  positions  as  would  as  effectually  cover 
our  landing,  as  they  otherwise  would  have  done;  but  every  thing 
that  could  be  done  was  effected. 

Our  riflemen,  under  major  Forsyth,  first  landed,  under  a  heavy 
fire  from  Indians  and  other  troops.  General  Sheafte  commanded  in 
person.  He  had  collected  his  whole  force  in  the  woods,  near  where 
the  wind  obliged  our  troops  to  land,  consisting  of  about  700  regu 
lars  and  militia,  and  100  Indians.  Major  Forsyth  was  supported, 
as  promptly  as  prxssible  with  other  troops  ;  but  the  contest  was 
sharp  and  severe  for  near  half  an  hour.  The  enemy  was  repulsed 
by  a  far  less  number  than  their  own ;  and  as  soon  as  general  Pike 
landed  with  7  or  800  men,  and  the  remainder  of  the  troops  were 
pushing  for  the  shore,  the  enemy  retreated  to  their  works ;  and  as 
soon  as  the  whole  of  the  troops  had  landed  and  formed  on  the  clear 
ground  intended  for  the  first  landing,  they  advanced  through  a 
thick  wood  to  the  open  ground  near  the  enemy's  works,  and  after 
carrying  one  battery  by  assault,  were  moving  on  in  columns  to 
wards  the  main  works  ;  when  the  head  of  the  columns  was  within 
about  sixty  rods  of  the  enemy,  a  tremendous  explosion  occurred 
from  a  large  magazine  prepared  for  the  purpose,  which  discharged 
such  iiffmense  quantities  of  stone,  as  to  produce  a  most  unfortu 
nate  effect  on  our  troops.  I  have  not  yet  been  able  to  collect  the 
returns  of  our  killed  and  wounded,  but  our  loss  by  the  explosion, 
must,  I  fear,  exceed  100;  and  among  them,  I  have  to  lament  the 
loss  of  the  brave  and  excellent  officer,  brigadier  general  Pike, 
who  received  such  a  contusion  from  a  large  stone,  as  terminated 
his  valuable  life  within  a  few  hours.  His  loss  will  be  severely  felt. 

Previous  to  the  explosion,  the  enemy  had  retired  into  the  town, 
excepting  a  party  of  regular  troops,  which  did  not  retire  early 
enough  to  avoid  the  shock ;  it  is  said  that  upwards  of  forty  of 
them  were  destroyed.  General  Sheaiie  moved  oft'  with  the  regu 
lar  troops,  and  left  directions  with  the  commanding  officer  of  the 
militia,  to  make  the  best  terms  he  could.  In  the  mean  time,  all 
further  resistance  on  the  part  of  the  enemy  ceased,  and  the  out 
lines  of  a  capitulation  were  agreed  on.  As  soon  as  I  was  informed 
of  general  Pike's  being  wounded,  I  went  on  shore.  I  had  been 
induced  to  confide  the  immediate  command  of  the  troops  in  ac 
tion  to  general  Pike,  from  a  conviction  that  he  fully  expected  it, 
and  would  be  much  mortified  at  being  deprived  of  the  honour, 


149 

which  lie  highly  appreciated.  Every  movement  was  under  my 
view.  Our  troops  behaved  with  great  firmness,  and  deserve  much 
applause,  especially  those  who  wrere  first  engaged,  under  circum 
stances  that  would  have  tried  the  firmness  of  veterans.  Our  loss  in 
the  action  in  the  morning,  and  in  carrying  the  first  battery,  was  not 
great,  probably  about  fifty  killed  and  wounded ;  among  them,  were 
a  full  proportion  of  officers;  and  although  the  enemy  had  a  de 
cided  advantage  in  point  of  numbers  and  position,  at  the  com 
mencement,  their  loss  was  greater  than  ours,  particularly  in  of 
ficers. 

It  was  with  the  greatest  exertion  that  the  small  vessels  of  the 
fleet  could  work  into  the  harbour  against  a  gale  of  wind  directly 
ahead ;  but.  as  soon  as  they  got  in  contact  with  the  batteries,  a 
tremendous  cannonade  commenced  from  24  and  32  pounders,  and 
was  kept  up  without  intermission,  under  a  heavy  fire  from  two 
batteries,  until  the  enemy's  batteries  were  carried  or  blown  up  by 
the  explosion,  which-  undoubtedly  had  a  powerful  effect  on  the 
enemy.  I  am  under  the  greatest  obligations  to  commodore  Chaun- 
cey  for  his  able  and  indefatigable  exertions  in  every  possible  man 
ner  that  could  give  facility  and  effect  to  the  expedition.  He  is 
equally  estimable  for  deliberate  sound  judgment,  bravery  and  in 
dustry.  The  government  could  not  have  made  a  more  fortunate 
selection  for  the  important  trust  he  holds.  Unfortunately,  the 
enemy's  armed  ship,  the  "  Prince  Regent,"  left  this  place  for 
Kingston,  four  days  before  we  arrived.  A  large  ship  on  the  stocks, 
nearly  planked  up,  with  a  large  store  of  naval  stores,  were  set  on 
fire  by  the  enemy,  soon  after  the  explosion  of  the  magazine. 
There  are  no  vessels  fit  for  use  in  the  harbour.  A  considerable 
quantity  of  military  stores  and  provisions  remained.  We  shall 
not  possess  the  means  of  transporting  the  prisoners  from  this 
place,  and  must,  of  course,  leave  them  on  parole.  I  hope  we  shall 
so  far  complete  the  necessary  measures  at  this  place,  in  the  course 
of  this  day,  as  to  be  able  to  sail  to-morrow  for  Niagara,  by  which 
route  I  shall  send  this  by  a  small  vessel,  with  notice  to  general 
Lewis  of  our  approach. 

I  am  sir,  your  obedient  servant, 

H.  DEARBORN. 

Hon.  John  Armstrong, 

Secretary  of  War. 


HEAD  QUARTERS,  CAMP  MEIGS,  May  5th,  1813. 

SIR, 

I  am  sorry  to  inform  you  of  another  disaster  to  the  Kentucky 
troops,  not  indeed  bearing  any  comparison  to  that  of  the  river 
Raisin  in  point  of  killed  and  wounded,  but  exceeding  it  as  to  the 
number  of  prisoners.  I  had  the  honour  to  inform  you  in  my 
letter  of  the  28th  instant,  that  the  British  troops  destined  to  be.- 


150 

siege  this  place  were  then  in  view.  On  the  succeeding  night  they 
broke  ground  upon  the  heights  opposite,  and  on  the  following 
morning  our  batteries  opened  upon  them  and  continued  a  partial 
firing  throughout  that  and  the  following  day.  On  the  first  of  May 
the  enemy  returned  it  from  a  two  gun  and  one  mortar  battery,  and 
on  the  second  from  a  third  gun  battery.  On  the  night  of  the  third 
they  passed  a  part  of  their  troops  to  this  side  of  the  river,  and 
opened  another  gun  and  mortar  battery  within  two  hundred  and 
fifty  yards  of  our  lines.  They  were  soon  however  driven  from 
that  position,  and  obliged  to  take  one  at  a  more  respectful  distance. 
On  the  first,  second,  and  third  instant,  the  fire  was  most  inces 
sant  and  tremendous.  Five  and  a  half  and  eight  and  a  half  inch 
shells,  with  twenty -four  pound  ball,  fell  in  showers  in  our  camp, 
and  would  have  produced  the  most  unfortunate  effect,  but  from 
the  great  pains  and  labour  which  had  been  bestowed  in  the  erec 
tion  of  traverses,  which  in  a  great  degree  shielded  our  camp  from 
the  former.  For  the  latter  there  was  no  preventative  but  that  of 
taking  the  batteries.  About  twelve  o'clock  last  night  an  officer 
arrived  in  a  boat  from  general  Clay,  to  inform  me  of  his  approach, 
and  that  he  would  reach  this  place  in  about  two  hours.  I  imme 
diately  determined  upon  a  general  sally,  and  sent  an  officer  to 
general  Clay  directing  him  to  land  eight  hundred  men  some  short 
distance  above,  to  attack  and  carry  the  batteries,  spike  the  cannon 
and  destroy  the  artillery.  The  general  was  unfortunately  delayed 
longer  than  he  expected  in  passing  the  Rapids,  and  the  detach 
ment  destined  to  make  the  attack  did  not  reach  the  landing  until 
near  nine  o'clock.  This  however  did  not  prevent  them  from 
making  the  attempt,  and  never  was  any  thing  more  completely 
successful.  The  four  batteries  were  immediately  taken  possession 
of,  and  their  defenders  driven  oft',  and  the  cannon  spiked.  Here 
the  work  of  our  men  was  done.  But  that  confidence  which  always 
attends  militia  when  successful,  proved  their  ruin,  although  there 
was  time  sufficient  to  return  to  the  boats  before  a  reinforcement 
arrived  to  the  enemy.  They  remained  upon  the  grounds  in  spite 
of  the  repeated  calls  which  we  made  across  the  river  to  brin^ 
them  back,  suffered  themselves  to  be  amused  and  drawn  into  the 
woods  by  some  faint  skirmishing,  whilst  the  British  troops  and  au 
immense  body  of  Indians,  were  soon  brought  up.  A  severe  action 
then  took  place.  The  British  immediately  interrupted  the  retreat 
of  our  men  to  the  plain  over  the  river,  where  they  would  have  been 
under  cover  of  our  cannon ;  but  about  one  hundred  and  fifty 
only,  out  of  nearly  eight  hundred  effectives,  made  their  escape  to 
the  boats.  Where  the  balance  of  general  Clay's  force  made  its 
appearance  and  attempted  to  land  above  the  garrison,  their  flank 
was  attacked  by  a  large  body  of  Indians.  I  immediately  ordered 
out  a  detachment  consisting  of  part  of  the  19th  United  States' 
regiment,  about  one  hundred  twelve  months' volunteers,  and  some 
militia.  They  however  succeeded  in  driving  the  enemy  entirely 
off.  Pursuant  to  the  plan  which  I  had  formed,  an  attack  was  then 


151 

wade  upon  the  batteries  on  this  side  of  the  river,  conducted  by 
colonel  Miller,  of  the  19th  regiment,  with  part  of  his  regiment, 
the  aforesaid  volunteers,  and  a  few  militia.  This  attack  was  also 
completely  successful.  The  enemy  were  driven  from  their  works, 
a  number  killed,  and  two  British  officers  and  forty-one  privates 
brought  into  camp.  This  attack  was  intended  to  be  simultaneous 
with  that  on  the  other  side,  and  it  was  nearly  so.  Notwithstand 
ing  the  severe  loss  we  have  sustained  in  the  Kentucky  militia, 
the  events  of  the  day  have  been  honourable  to  the  American  arms. 
The  detachment  under  colonel  Miller  suffered  very  little,  and 
had  the  militia  been  contented  with  executing  what  they  were 
ordered  to  do,  every  object  which  I  had  contemplated  would 
have  been  accomplished. 

I  have  only  time  to  add  that  I  am  confident  of  my  ability  to 
defend  this  place  until  the  expected  large  reinforcements  arrive; 
and  that  I  am,  with  great  respect,  i^c. 

WILLIAM  HENRY  HARRISON. 
Honourable  John  Armstrong, 

Secretary  of  War. 


Extract  of  a  letter  from  Stephen  H.Moore,  captain  of  the  Balti 
more  volunteers,  to  his  brother,  dated 

NIAGARA,  May  5th,  1813. 

"I  last  wrote  you  from  the  harbor,  stating  that  I  was  then  about 
to  embark  with  my  company,  together  with  general  Pike's  brigade, 
for  the  purpose  of  making  a  descent  on  the  Canada  shore.  1  have 
to  inform  you  now  of  the  result,  which  has  been  victorious  and 
glorious  to  the  American  arms,  although  peculiarly  unfortunate  to 
me.  We  arrived  at  the  head  of  lake  Ontario  on  Tuesday  morning 
the  27th  ultimo,  and  debarked  the  forces  about  a  mile  above  York, 
the  capital  of  Upper  Canada.  Here  we  were  met  on  the  beach  by 
about  five  hundred  British  regulars  and  two  hundred  and  fifty 
Indians.  We  contended  with  them  warmly  for  about  an  hour, 
when  we  succeeded  in  driving  them  before  us,  and  made  good 
our  landing,  with  a  loss  of  some  brave  officers,  and  about  forty 
men  killed  and  wounded.  W^e  then  formed  immediately,  moved 
up  to  York,  and  when  arrived  just  at  the  opening  of  the  main 
street,  the  enemy  sprung  a  mine  upon  us,  which  destroyed  about 
eighty  of  his  own  men,  and  killed  and  wounded  about  one  hun 
dred  and  thirty  of  our  men.  This  horrible  explosion  has  deprived 
me  of  my  leg,  and  otherwise  grievously  wounded  me.  I  was 
taken  from  the  field,  and  carried  on  board  the  commodore's  ship, 
where  my  leg  was  amputated,  and  I  am  now  likely  to  recover. 
Two  of  my  company  were  killed  at  the  same  time,  and  four  or 
five  more  of  my  brave  fellows  were  severely  wounded,  now  out  of 
danger.  We  have  taken  the  capital  of  the  enemy,  and  about  a 


152 

million  and  a  half  worth  of  public  stores  and  other  property.  We 
have  killed  and  wounded  about  three  hundred  British  and  their 
savage  allies,  and  have  taken  prisoners  about  seven  hundred  men. 
We  have  taken  from  them  also  several  vessels  of  war  which  were 
found  in  the  harbor,  and  destroyed  a  32  gun  frigate,  then  on'  the 
stocks. 

"This is  the  severest  blow  the  British  have  felt  since  the  war, 
and  is  to  them  irremediable.  It  will  teach  them  a  lesson  of  Ame 
rican  bravery,  which  they  cannot  soon  forget.  The  conquest  of 
Upper  Canada  is  now  no  longer  doubtful,  as  almost  all  the  guns, 
munitions  of  war,  and  provisions,  necessary  to  carry  on  the  present 
campaign,  were  deposited  at  York,  and  have  been  taken  by  us. 
General  Pike,  however,  the  brave  and  gallant  projector  of  this 
enterprize,  fell  in  the  very  moment  of  complete  victory,  at  the 
head  of  his  column.  We  have  suffered  severely  in  loss  of  officers ; 
two  captains  and  fourteen  lieutenants  have  been  killed,  and  five 
captains  and  seven  lieutenants  wounded.  My  wound,  they  say, 
is  a  very  good  one,  but  it  has  maimed  me  for  life.  Lieutenant 
Irvine  received  a  bayonet  through  his  right  shoulder,  at  the  mo 
ment  of  stepping  out  of  the  boat,  but  is  doing  very^  well.  Gill  and 
Warner  escaped  unhurt.  My  company  distinguished  themselves 
gloriously,  and  were  noticed  for  their  determined  spirit." 


HEAD  QUARTERS,  CAMP  MEIGS,  May  9th,  1813. 

SIR, 

1  have  the  honour  to  inform  you  that  the  enemy  having  been 
several  days  making  preparations  for  raising  the  siege  of  this  post, 
accomplished  this  day  the  removal  of  their  artillery  from  the  op 
posite  bank,  and  about  12  o'clock,  left  their  encampment  below, 
were  soon  embarked  and  out  of  sight.  1  have  the  honour  to  enclose 
you  an  agreement  entered  into  between  general  Proctor  and  my 
self,  for  the  discharge  of  the  prisoners  of  the  Kentucky  militia  in 
his  possession,  and  for  the  exchange  of  the  officers  and  men  of  the 
regular  troops  which  were  respectively  possessed  by  us.  My 
anxiety  to  get  the  Kentucky  troops  released  as  early  as  possible, 
induced  me  to  agree  to  the  dismission  of  all  the  prisoners  I  had, 
although  there  was  not  as  many  of  ours  in  general  Proctor's  pos 
session.  The  surplusage  is  to  be  accounted  for,  and  an  equal 
number  of  ours  released  from  their  parole,  whenever  the  govern 
ment  may  think  proper  to  direct  it. 

The  two  actions  on  this  side  the  river  on  the  5th,  were  infi 
nitely  more  important  and  more  honourable  to  our  arms,  than  I 
had  at  first  conceived.  In  the  sortie  made  upon  the  left  flank, 
captain  Waring's  company  of  the  19th  regiment,  a  detachment  of 
twelve  month's  volunteers  under  major  Alexander,  and  three 
companies  of  Kentucky  militia  under  colonel  Boswell,  defeated  at 
least  double  the  number  of  Indians  and  British  militia. 


153 

The  sortie  on  the  right  was  still  more  glorious  ;  the  British 
batteries  in  that  direction  were  defeated  by  the  grenadier  and  li^ht 
infantry  companies  of  the  41st  regiment,  amounting  to  two  hun 
dred  effectives,  and  two  companies  of  militia,  flanked  by  a  host 
of  Indians.  The  detachment  sent  to  attack  those,  consisted  of  all 
the  men  of  duty  belonging  to  the  companies  of  Croghan  and  Brad 
ford,  of  the  17th  regiment;  Langham's,  Elliott's  (late  Graham's) 
and  Waring's,  of  the  19th  ;  about  eighty  of  major  Alexander's 
volunteers,  and  a  single  company  of  Kentucky  militia  under  cap 
tain  Sebree;  amounting  in  the  whole  to  not  more  than  three 
hundred  and  forty.  Yet  the  event  of  the  action  was  not  a 
moment  doubtful,  and  had  not  the  British  troops  been  covered 
in  their  retreat  by  their  allies,  the  whole  of  them  would  have 
been  taken. 

It  is  not  possible  for  troops  to  behave  better  than  ours  did 
throughout ;  all  the  officers  exerted  themselves  to  execute  my 
orders,  and  the  enemy,  who  had  a  full  view  of  our  operations 
from  the  opposite  shore,  declared  that  they  had  never  seen  so 
much  work  performed  in  so  short  a  time. 

To  all  the  commandants  of  corps  I  feel  particular  obligations. 
These  were  colonel  Miller  of  the  19th  infantry,  colonel  Mills  of 
the  Ohio  militia,  major  Stoddard  of  the  artillery,  major  Ball  ot 
the  dragoons,  and  major  Johnson  of  the  Kentucky  militia.  Cap 
tain  Gratiot  of  the  engineers,  having  been  for  a  long  time  much 
indisposed,  the  task  of  fortifying  this  post  devolved  on  captain 
Wood.  It  could  not  have  been  placed  in  better  hands.  Permit 
me  to  recommend  him  to  the  President,  and  to  assure  you  that 
any  mark  of  his  approbation  bestowed  on  captain  Wood,  would 
be  highly  gratifying  to  the  whole  of  the  troops  who  witnessed 
his  arduous  exertions. 

From  major  Hukill,  acting  inspector  general,  my  aid-de-camp, 
major  Graham,  lieutenant  OFallon,  who  has  done  the  duty  of 
assistant  adjutant  general  in  the  absence  of  major  Adams,  an<$ 
my  volunteer  aid-de-camp  John  Johnson,  esq.  I  received  the, 
most  useful  assistance. 

1  have  the  honour  to  enclose  you  a  list  of  the  killed  and  woun 
ded  during  the  siege,  and  in  the  two  sorties ;  those  of  the  latter 
were  much  greater  than  I  had  at  first  expected. 

Want  of  sleep  and  exposure  to  the  continued  rains  which 
have  fallen  almost  every  day  for  some  time  past,  render  me  incapa 
ble  of  mentioning  many  interesting  particulars  j  amongst  others 
a  most  extraordinary  proposition  of  general  Proctor's,  on  the  sub 
ject  of  the  Indians  within  our  boundary  :  this  shall  form  the  sub* 
ject  of  a  communication  to  be  made  to-morrow  or  next  day,  and 
for  which  I  will  provide  a  safer  conveyance  than  that  which  carries 
this.  All  the  prisoners  and  deserters  agree  in  saying,  that  the 
information  given  to  major  Stoddard,  by  Ryland,  of  the  British 
having  launched  a  sloop  of  war  this  spring,  is  iucwrrect,  and  the 

20 


154 

most  of  them  say,  that  the  one  which  is  now  building,  will  not  be 
launched  for  many  weeks. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be  yours,  &c. 

WILLIAM  HENRY  HARRISON, 


Honourable  John  Armstrong, 

Secretary  of  War. 


P.  S.  Captain  Price,  of  the  regiment  light  artillery,  and  the 
twenty  regulars,  prisoners  with  general  Proctor,  were  taken  on 
the  north-western  side  of  the  river,  with  the  Kentucky  militia. 
We  had  no  prisoners  taken  on  this  side  during  the  siege. 


GENERAL  ORDERS. 

HEAD  QUARTERS,  FORT  MEIGS,  May  9th,  1813. 

The  information  received  by  the  general,  and  the  movements  of 
the  enemy,  indicating  their  having  abandoned  this  post,  the  gen 
eral  congratulates  his  troops  on  having  completely  foiled  their 
foes,  and  put  a  stop  to  that  career  of  victory  which  has  hitherto 
attended  their  arms.  He  cannot  find  words  to  express  his  sense 
of  the  good  conduct  of  the  troops  of  every  description  and  of 
every  corps,  as  well  in  sustaining  and  returning  the  fire  of  the 
enemy,  as  for  their  assiduity  and  patience  in  performing  those 
laborious  duties  which  the  occasion  called  for.  Where  merit 
was  so  general,  indeed  almost  universal,  it  is  difficult  to  discrim 
inate.  The  general  cannot,  however,  omit  to  mention  the  names 
of  those  whose  situation  gave  them  an  opportunity  of  being  more 
particularly  useful.  From  the  long  illness  of  captain  Gratiot,  of 
the  corps  of  engineers,  the  arduous  and  important  duties  of  forti 
fying  the  camp  devolved  on  captain  Wood,  of  that  corps.  In 
assigning  to  him  the  first  palm  of  merit,  as  far  as  relates  to  the 
transactions  within  the  works,  the  general  is  convinced  his  deci 
sion  will  be  awarded  by  every  individual  in  the  camp  who  wit 
nessed  his  indefatigable  exertions,  his  consummate  skill  in 
providing  for  the  safety  of  every  point,  and  in  foiling  every  at 
tempt  of  the  enemy,  and  his  undaunted  bravery  in  the  performance 
of  his  duty  in  the  most  exposed  situations.  An  unfortunate 
wound  in  thte  commencement  of  the  siege  deprived  the  general, 
after  that  time,  of  the  able  services  of  major  Stoddard,  of  the 
artillery,  whose  zeal  and  talents  had  been  eminently  useful. 
Captain  Gratiojt,  in  the  remission  of  a  severe  illness,  took  charge 
of  a  battery,  and  managed  it  with  ability  and  effect.  Captain 
Cushing,  of  the  artillery,  and  captain  Hall,  of  the  17th  infantry, 


155 

(but  doing  duty  with  the  former  corps)  were  extremely  active  and 
attentive  to  their  post.  To  colonel  Miller  and  major  Todd,  of 
the  19th  United  States'  infantry;  majors  Ball  of  the  dragoons, 
Sodwick,  and  major  Ritzer  of  the  Ohio  militia,  and  major  Johnson 
of  the  Kentucky  militia,  rendered  the  most  important  services. 
To  each  of  the  above  gentlemen,  as  well  as  to  each  captain, 
subaltern,  non-commissioned  officer,  and  private  of  their  respec 
tive  commands,  the  general  gives  his  thanks  and  expresses  his 
warmest  approbation  ;  also  to  adjutant  Brown,  Mr.  Peters,  con 
ductor  of  artillery  ;  Mr.  Lien,  principal  artificer ;  Mr.  Timberlee, 
and  to  Serjeants  Henderson,  r£ommes  and  Meldrum,  who  seve- 
ally  had  charge  of  batteries  and  block-houses.  The  battery  man 
aged  by  serjeant  Henderson  was,  as  the  enemy  confessed,  managed 
with  peculiar  efficacy  and  effect  with  respect  to  the  sorties  which 
were  made  on  the  5th  instant.  The  subsequent  information 
which  has  been  received  from  the  prisoners,  has  given  the  gallant 
troops  which  were  engaged  on  those  occasions  additional  claims 
upon  the  gratitude  of  meir  general.  It  is  ascertained  that  in 
both  instances  the  enemy  far  outnumbered  our  troops.  The 
general  gives  his  thanks  to  brigadier  general  Clay,,  for  the  promp 
titude  with  which  the  detachment  of  his  brigade  were  landed, 
and  the  assiduity  shown  by  him  in  forming  them  for  the  attack 
en  the  left :  to  colonel  Boswell  and  major  Fletcher,  for  their 
gallantry  and  good  conduct  in  leading  them  in  the  charge  made 
on  the  enemy,  and  to  captains  Dudley,  Simons  and  MedcaJ,  the 
subalterns,  non-commissioned  officers  and  privates,  for  the  dis 
tinguished  valor  with  which  they  defeated  the  enemy.  The  gene 
ral  has,  in  the  order  of  the  6th  instant,  expressed  his  sense  of  the 
conduct  of  the  regular  troops  and  volunteers,  which  were  engaged 
in  the  sorties  on  the  left  flank,  but  he  omitted  to  mention  captain 
Sebree's  company  of  Kentucky  militia,  whose  gallantry  was  not 
surpassed  by  that  of  any  of  the  companies  which  fought  by  their 
side.  The  Pittsburg  blues,  led  by  lieutenant  M'Gee,  in  the  ill 
ness  of  their  gallant  captain,  sustained  the  reputation  which  they 
had  acquired  at  Mississineway.  The  Petersburg  volunteers  and 
lieutenant  Drum's  detachment,  discovered  equal  intrepidity.  To 
the  detachments  from  the  17th  and  19th  United  States'  regiments, 
under  their  respective  commanders,  captains  Croghan,  Bradford, 
Langham,  Elliott,  and  Nering,  the  honourable  task  was  assigned 
of  storming  the  British  batteries,  defended  by  two  hundred  Bri 
tish  grenadiers  and  light  infantry,  flanked  by  an  host  of  Indians 
and  two  companies  of  Canadian  militia.  Colonel  Miller  speaks 
in  the  highest  terms  of  the  captains  before  mentioned,  and  lieute 
nants  Campbell,  Gwynn,  Lee,  Kercheval  and  Rees  ;  and  of  en 
signs  Shep,  Hawkins,  Harrison,  Mitchell,  and  Stockton.  The 
general  requests  colonel  Miller,  major  Todd,  and  each  of  the 
officers  above  named,  together  with  all  the  officers,  non-commis 
sioned  officers  and  soldiers,  who  were  engaged  on  the  fifth  instant, 


156 

to  accept  his  thanks.  The  general  is  under  the  highest  obliga 
tions  to  his  staff  for  their  conduct,  as  well  in  the  action  of  the 
fifth  as  for  the  assistance  which  he  received  from  them  throughout 
the  siege.  Major  Hukill,  the  acting  inspector  general,  distin 
guished  himself  by  his  assiduity  in  forwarding  the  part  of  our 
works  which  was  most  necessary  and  which  was  most  exposed 
to  the  fire  of  the  enemy.  From  major  Graham,  his  aid-de-camp, 
his, volunteer  aid-de-camp,  J.  Johnson,  esq.  and  from  lieutenant 
O'Fallon,  acting  assistant  adjutant  general,  as  well  as  from  the 
deputy  quarter-master,  Mr.  Eubank,  he  received  the  greatest 
assistance. 

It  rarely  occurs  that  a  general  has  to  complain  of  the  excessive 
ardour  of  his  men,  yet  such  appears  alwavs  to  be  the  case  when 
ever  the  Kentucky  militia  are  engaged,  'it  is  indeed  the  source 
of  all  their  misfortunes.  They  appear  to  think  that  their  valour 
can  alone  accomplish  any  thing.  The  general  is  led  to  make  this 
remark  from  the  conduct  of  captain  Dudley's  company  of  the 
—  regiment,  as  he  has  understood  that  that  gallant  officer  was 
obliged  to  turn  his  espontoon  against  his  company  to  oblige  them 
to  desist  from  a  further  pursuit  of  the  enemy,  in  compliance  with 
an  order  from  the  general.  Such  temerity,  although  not  so  dis 
graceful,  is  scarcely  less  fatal  than  cowardice.  And  in  the  in 
stance  above,  had  it  been  persisted  in,  would  have  given  a  differ 
ent  result  to  the  action,  as  the  whole  of  the  enemy's  force  which 
were  placed  near  the  batteries,  would  have  been  precipitated  upon 
the  rear  of  our  detachment.  The  pursuit  being  stopped,  allowed 
time  for  a  new  disposition  under  cover  of  our  cannon,  and  the 
enemy's  batteries  were  attacked  and  carried  without  difficulty. 

JOHN  O'FALLON, 

Acting  assist*  Jldj.  Gen* 


LOWER  SANDUSKY,  May  13th,  1813. 

SIR, 

Having  ascertained  that  the  enemya(Indians  as  well  as  Bri 
tish)  had  entirely  abandoned  the  neighbourhood  of  the  Rapids,  I 
eft  the  command  of  Camp  Meigs  with  general  Clav,  and  came 
here  last  night.  It  is  with  the  greatest  satisfaction  I  inform  you, 
sir,  that  the  loss  of  the  Kentucky  troops  in  killed,  on  the  north 
side  of  the  river,  does  not  exceed  fifty.  On  the  10th  and  llth 
instant,  I  caused  the  ground  which  was  the  scene  of  action,  and 
its  environs,  to  be  carefully  examined,  and  after  the  most  diligent 
search,  forty -five  bodies  only  of  our  men  were  discovered; 
amongst  them  was  the  leader  of  the  detachment,  colonel  Dudley. 
No  other  officer  of  note  fell  in  the  action.  I  have  strong  reason 
to  believe  that  a  considerable  number  of  the  Kentuckians  effected 
their  re'reat  up  the  river  to  fort  Winchester.  General  Proctor 
did  not  furnish  me  with  a  return  of  the  prisoners  in  his  possession, 


157 

although  repeatedly  promised.  His  retreat  was  as  precipitate  as 
it  could  properly  be,  leaving  a  number  of  cannon  ball,  a  new 
elegant  sling  carriage  for  cannon,  and  other  valuable  articles. 
The  night  before  his  departure,  two  persons  that  were  employed 
in  the  British  gun-boats  (Americans  by  birth)  deserted  to  us.  The 
information  they  gave  me  was  very  interesting :  they  say  that 
the  Indians,  of  which  there  were  from  1600  to  2000,  left  the  Brit 
ish  the  day  before  their  departure,  in  a  high  state  of  dissatisfac 
tion,  from  the  great  loss  they  had  sustained  in  the  several  en 
gagements  of  the  5th,  and  the  failure  of  the  British  in  accom 
plishing  their  promise  of  taking  the  post  at  the  Rapids.  From  the 
account  given  by  these  men,  my  opinion  is  confirmed  of  the  great 
superiority  of  the  enemy  which  were  defeated  by  our  troops  in  the 
two  sallies  made  on  the  5th  inst.  That  led  by  colonel  Miller  did 
not  exceed  350  men,  and  it  is-  very  certain  that  they  defeated  200 
British  regulars,  150  militia,  and  4  or  500  Indians.  That  Ameri 
can  regulars  (although  they  were  raw  recruits)  and  such  men  as 
compose  the  Pittsburg,  Pennsylvania,  and  Petersburg  (Va.)  volun 
teers,  should  behave  well  is  not  to  be  wondered  at ;  but  that  a 
company  of  militia  should  maintain  its  ground  against  four  times 
its  number,  as  did  captain  Sebree's,  of  the  Kentucky,  is  truly  as 
tonishing.  These  brave  fellows  were  at  length,  however,  entirely 
surrounded  by  Indians,  and  would  have  been  cut  off,  but  for  the 
gallantry  of  lieutenant  Guynne,  of  the  19th  regiment,  who,  with 
part  of  captain  Elliott's  company,  charged  the  enemy,  and  re 
leased  the  Kentuckians.  I  enclose  you  a  list  of  the  killed  and 
wounded  during  the  whole  siege ; — it  is  considerably  larger  than 
I  supposed  it  would  be,  when  I  last  wrote  you — but  it  is  satis 
factory  to  know,  that  they  did  not  bleed  uselessly,  but  in  the 
course  of  successful  exertions.  The  return  does  not  embrace 
those  who  fell  on  the  north-western  side  of  the  Miami. 

You  will  also  receive,  herewith,  a  monthly  return  of  the  troops 
at  camp  Meigs  for  the  last  month ;  the  communication  with  the 
other  posts  being  cut  off,  the  returns  were  not  received.  A  copy 
of  general  Clay's  report  to  me,  of  the  manner  of  his  executing 
my  order,  for  the  attack  on  the  enemy's  batteries,  is  likewise  for 
warded,  by  which  it  will  be  seen  that  my  intentions  were  per 
fectly  understood,  and  the  great  facility  with  which  they  might 
have  been  executed,  is  apparent  to  every  individual  who  witnessed 
the  scene.  Indeed  the  cannon  might  have  been  spiked,  the  car 
riages  cut  to  pieces,  the  magazine  destroyed,  and  the  retreat  ef 
fected  to  the  boats,  without  the  loss  of  a  man,  as  none  were  killed 
in  taking;  the  batteries,  so  complete  was  the  surprise. 

An  extensive  open  plain  intervenes  between  the  river  and  the 
hill,  upon  which  the  batteries  of  the  enemy  were  placed ;  this 
plain  was  raked  by  four  of  our  eighteen  pounders,  a  twelve  and  a 
six.  The  enemy,  even  before  their  guns  were  spiked,  could  not 
have  brought  one  to  bear  upon  it.  80  perfectly  secured  was  their 


15S 

retreat,  that  the  150  men  who  came  off,  effected  it  without  loss* 
and  brought  off  some  of  the  wounded,  one  of  them  on  the  backs 
of  his  comrades.  The  Indians  followed  them  to  the  woods,  but 
dared  not  enter  into  the  plain. 

I  am  unable  to  form  a  correct  estimate  of  the  enemy's  force. 
The  prisoners  varied  much  in  their  accounts ;  those  who  made 
them  least,  stated  the  regulars  at  560,  and  militia  at  800,  but  the 
numbers  of  the  Indians  were,  beyond  comparison,  greater  than 
have  ever  been  brought  into  the  field  before ;  numbers  arrived 
after  the  seige  commenced.  I  have  caused  their  camps  on  the 
south-east  side  of  the  river,  to  be  particularly  examined,  and  the 
general  opinion  is,  that  there  could  not  have  been  fewer  on  that 
side,  than  1000  or  1200 ;  they  were,  indeed,  the  efficient  force  of 
the  enemy. 

I  have  the  honour  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  favours, 
of  the  14th,  18th,  and  28th  ultimo,  and  5th  instant. 

I  am  sorry  to  inform  you,  that  major  Stoddard  died  the  night 
before  I  left  the  Rapids,  of  a  lock-jaw,  produced  by  a  slight 
wound,  from  a  fragment  of  a  shell,  which  struck  him  on  the  thigh. 
Several  have  died  in  this  way,  from  their  great  and  unavoidable 
exposure  to  the  cold ;  but  perhaps  there  were  never  so  many  in 
stances  of  desperate  wounds  likely  to  do  well. 

The  gallant  captain  Bradford  will  recover. 

I  shall  go  from  here,  to  Upper  Sandusky,  and  shall  take  my 
station  at  Delaware  or  Franklinton,  until  the  troops  are  assembled. 
General  Clay,  who  commands  at  the  Rapids,  is  a  man  of  capacity, 
and  entirely  to  be  relied  on. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 
WILLIAM  HENRY  HARRISON. 

The  Hon.  John  Armstrong, 

Secretary  of  War. 

Killed  81, — wounded  189,  in  the  seige  of  camp  Meigs  and  the  severafl 
sorties  of  the  5th  of  May,  1813, 


CAMP  AT  FORT  MEIGS,  May  13th,  1813. 

SIR, 

On  the  5th  instant,  about  8  o'clock,  A.  M.  descending  the 
Miami  of  the  lake,  about  midway  to  the  Rapids,  with  1200  of  the 
Kentucky  troops  in  the  eighteen  flat  bottomed  boats,  I  was  met 
by  captain  Hamilton  and  a  subaltern,  who  delivered  me,  (as  he 
said)  the  orders  of  major  general  Harrison,  to  the  following  ef 
fect: 

"  You  must  detach  about  800  men  from  your  brigade,  who  will 
land  at  a  point  I  will  show,  about  one  or  one  and  a  half  miles 
above  the  fort,  and  I  will  conduct  them  to  the  British  batteries  on 
the  left  bank  of  the  river.  They  must  take  possession  of  the 


159 

« 

enemy's  cannon,  spike  them,  cut  down  the  carriages,  and  return 
to  their  boats." 

Observing  that  the  British  force  at  their  large  batteries,  was  in 
considerable,  but  that  their  main  force  was  at  the  old  garrison, 
about  1£  miles  below,  on  the  same  side  of  the  river;  that  the 
Indian  forces  were  chiefly  on  the  right  bank  of  the  river:  "The 
balance  t>f  the  men  under  your  command,  must  land  on  the  right 
bank,  opposite  to  the  first  landing,  and  will  fight  their  way  through 
the  Indians  to  the  fort :"  observing  that  the  route  thus  to  be  taken, 
would  be  shown  by  a  subaltern  officer  there,  in  company  with 
captain  Hamilton,  who  would  land  the  perogue  at  the  point  on 
the  right  bank,  at  which  the  boats  would  land. 

The  order  of  descending  the  river  in  boats,  was  the  same  as 
the  order  of  march  in  the  line  of  battle,  in  solid  column,  each 
officer  taking  position  according  to  his  rank.  Colonel  Dudley, 
the  eldest  colonel,  led  the  van,  and  in  this  order  the  river  had 
been  descended.  As  soon  as  captain  Hamilton  had  delivered 
these  orders,  being  in  the  thirteenth  boat  from  the  front,  I  directed 
him  to  proceed  immediately  to  colonel  Dudley,  and  order  him  to 
take  the  men  in  the  twelve  front  boats,  and  execute  general  Har 
rison's  orders  on  the  left  bank  of  the  river ;  and  to  post  his  (cap 
tain  Hamilton's)  subaltern  on  the  right  bank  to  conduct  myself 
with  the  men  in  the  six  boats  to  the  fort.  I  ordered  the  five  boats 
in  the  rear  to  fall  in  a  line,  and  follow  me.  High  winds  and  the 
rapidity  of  the  current,  drove  four  of  the  rear  boats  ashore,  in 
the  attempt  to  follow  on  according  to  order,  where  they  remained 
a  short  time,  sufficient,  however,  to  detain  them  half,  or  three 
quarters  of  a  mile  to  the  rear.  To  land  according  to  order,  I 
kept  close  along  the  right  bank,  until  opposite  colonel  Dudley's 
landing.  There  I  found  no  guide  left  to  conduct  me  to  the  fort, 
as  captain  Hamilton  had  promised.  I  then  made  an  attempt  to 
cross  the  river  and  join  colonel  Dudley,  but  from  the  rapid  current 
on  the  falls,  I  was  unable  to  land  on  the  point  with  him.  Being 
nearly  half  way  across  the  river,  and  the  waves  running  too  high 
to  risk  the  boats  ;  then  driving  down  the  current  sidewise — veered 
about  the  boat  and  rowed  the  best  way  we  could  to  save  our  boat. 

My  attempt  to  cross  the  river  to  colonel  Dudley,  occasioned 
all  the  boats,  (I  presume  in  the  rear  of  me)  and  which  were  then 
•ut  of  hailing  distance,  to  cross  over  and  land  with  colonel  Dud- c 
ley.  Having  been  defeated  in  landing  on  the  left,  we  then  en 
deavoured  to  effect  one  on  the  right,  even  without  a  guide :  but 
before  a  landing  could  be  effected,  we  received  a  brisk  fire  from 
the  enemy  on  shore,  which  was  returned  and  kept  up  on  both  sides. 
And  I  was  in  this  unavoidable  situation,  compelled  to  make  fort 
Meigs,  with  no  other  force  than  about  50  men  on  board,  (^the  other 
bouts  being  still  in  the  rear)  and  to  receive  the  enemy's  fire,  until 
we  arrived  under  the  protection  of  the  fort.  Colonel  Boswell's 
command  (except  the  men  in  my  boat)  having  landed  to  join  colo 
nel  Dudley,  were,  as  I  have  been  informed,  ordered  by  captain 


160 

Hamilton  immediately  to  embark  and  land  on  the  right  hand  shore, 
about  a  mile  above  the  fort,  and  prepare  to  fight  his  way  through 
to  the  garrison. 

The  colonel  embarked,  landed,  as  he  conceived,  at  the  proper 
point,  pursuant  to  captain  Hamilton's  order,  and  was  forming  his 
men  in  order  of  battle,  when  he  was  met  by  captain  Shaw,  and 
ordered  to  march  into  the  garrison  at  open  order,  the  safest  route. 

When  my  own  boat  landed,  we  were  met  by  two  men  who  took 
charge  of  the  boat,  as  we  understood,  to  bring  her  under  the  pro- 
t^ction  of  the  fort  batteries.  Believing  our  baggage  to  be  thus 
made  safe,  we  forbid  our  servants  to  carry  any  portion  of  it,  but 
loaded  them  witfy  cannon  ball,  which  they  bore  to  the  fort.  Our 
baggage  was,  Jnnvever,  taken  by  the  Indians  in  a  very  short  time 
after  we  left  the  boat.  Upon  receiving  the  orders  of  captaiti 
Hamilton,  I  asked  if  he  had  brought  spikes  to  spike  the  enemy's 
cannon,  to  which  he  replied  he  had  plenty. 

I  am,  sir,  respectfully,  &c. 
GREEN  CLAY,  Brig.  Gen. 

His  excellency  major  general  Harrison. 

P.  S.  Captain  Hamilton,  on  delivering  the  orders  of  general 
Harrison,  observed,  that  the  object  of  landing  and  marching  a 
portion  of  the  troops  on  the  right  bank,  was  to  draw  the  attention 
of  the  Indians,  and  by  thus  engaging  them,  afford  an  opportunity 
to  the  garrison  to  make  a  sally,  and  by  a  circuitous  route,  surprise 
and  carry  the  batteries  and  cannon  of  the  enemy  below  the  fort 
on  the  right  bank. 


BRIGADE  ORDERS. 

BRIGADE  HEAD  QUARTERS, 

Camp,  Four  Mile  Creek,  May  26th,  1813. 

Conformity  to  the  general  order  of  the  25th  and  26th  instant, 
the  first  brigade  will  embark  at  3  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 
The  several  regiments  will  hold  themselves  in  readiness  accord 
ingly.  The  boats  of  the  brigade  will  form  in  three  lines  suc 
ceeding  colonel  Scott's  advance  party.  The  15th  regiment, 
formed  in  column  of  battalion,  the  right  in  front,  will  precede. 
The  6th  and  16th  will  successively  follow  in  the  same  order. 
Colonel  M'Clure's  volunteers  will  nank  the  right  of  the  brigade, 
and  move  accordingly.  Four  pieces  of  the  light  artillery  will 
move  in  the  rear  of  the  1 8th  regiment,  and  four  in  the  rear  of  the 
16th  regiment ;  the  first  four  to  form  on  the  right  of  the  brigade, 
the  other  to  form  on  the  left  of  the  brigade.  The  troops  will  land 
in  column,  and  form  immediately  in  order  of  battle.  Colonel 
Miller,  of  the  6th,  on  the  right,  major  King,  of  the  15th,  in  the 


161 

centre,  and  colonel  Pearce,  of  the  16th,  on  the  left.  Colonel 
M'Cl  ure's  volunteers  on  the  right  flank  of  the  brigade.  The  com 
manding  officers  of  regiments  will  carry  the  regimental  standard 
in  the  boat  in  which  they  embark,  and  each  boat  its  regimental 
camp  colour.  To  guard  the  stores  and  camp  equipage  of  eacU 
regiment,  one  commissioned  officer,  one  non-commissioned  officer, 
ancl  a  sufficient  number  of  non-effectives,  will  be  left. 

The  commanding  officers  of  regiments  will  be  responsible  that 
the  boats  which  have  been  assigned  to  them,  are  in  perfect  readi 
ness  to  receive  the  troops  by  the  time  designated  for  embarkation. 

The  troops  which  compose  the  1st  brigade,  have  already  once- 
triumphed  over  the  foe  they  have  again  to  encounter.  Their 
country  expects  much  from  them,  and  will  not  be  disappointed. 
With  their  present  numbers  and  accustomed  bravery,  the  flag  of 
the  United  States  will  once  more  wave  over  the  territory  of  C$* 
nada. 

JOHN  P.  BOYD, 
£rig.  Gen.  Comd'g  1st  Brigades 


HEAD  QUARTERS,  FORT  GEORGE, 

Upper  Canada,  May  27th,  181& 

SIR, 

The  light  troops  under  the  command  of  colonel  Scott  and 
major  Forsyth,  landed  this  morning  at  9  o'clock.  Major  general 
Lewis's  division,  with  colonel  Porter's  command  of  light  artillery, 
supported  them.  General  Boyd's  brigade  landed  immediately 
after  the  light  troops,  and  generals  Winder  and  Chandler  fol 
lowed  in  quick  succession.  The  landing  was  warmly  and  obsti 
nately  disputed  by  the  British  forces  ;  but  the  coolness  and  intre- 
Sidity  of  our  troops,  soon  compelled  them  to  give  ground  in  every 
irection.  General  Chandler  with  the  reserve  (composed  of  hia 
brigade  and  eolonel  Macomb's  artillery)  covered  the  whole. 
Commodore  Chauncey  had  made  the  most  judicious  arrange 
ments  for  silencing  the  enemy's  batteries  near  the  point  of  land 
ing.  The  army  is  under  the  greatest  obligation  to  that  able 
naval  commander,  for  his  indefatigable  exertions,  in  co-operating 
in  all  its  important  movements,  and  especially  in  its  operations 
this  day.  Our  batteries  succeeded  in  rendering  fort  George  un 
tenable  ;  and  when  the  enemy  had  been  beaten  from  his  position, 
and  found  it  necessary  to  re-enter  it,  after  firing  a  few  guns, 
and  setting  fire  to  the  magazines,  which  soon  exploded,  moved 
off  rapidly  in  different  routes.  Our  light  troops  pursued  them 
several  miles.  The  troops  having  been  underarms  from  1  o'clock 
in  the  morning,  were  too  much  exhausted  for  any  further  pursuit. 
We  are  now  in  possession  of  fort  George  and  its  immediate  de 
pendencies  ;  to  morrow  we  shall  proceed  further.  The  behaviour 
«tf  our  troops,  both  officers  and  men,  entitle  them  to  the  highest 
21 


162 

praise ;  and  the  difference  of  our  loss  with  'that  of  the  enemy, 
when  we  consider  the  advantages  his  positions  afforded  him,  is 
astonishing.  We  had  seventeen  killed  and  forty-five  wounded.. 
The  enemy  had  ninety  killed  and  one  hundred  and  sixty  woun 
ded  of  the  regular  troops.  We  have  taken  one  hundred  prisoners 
exclusive  of  the  wounded.  Major  Meyers  of  the  49th  was 
•wounded  and  taken  prisoner.  Of  ours  only  one  commissioned 
officer  was  killed,  Lieutenant  Hobart,  of  the  light  artillery.  In 
closed  is  the  report  of  major  general  Lewis. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

H.  DEARBORN. 
Hon.  John  Armstrong1. 


ON  THE  FIELD,  1  o'clock,  May  27th»  1813. 

DEAR  SIR, 

Fort  George  and  its  dependencies  are  ours.  The  enemy* 
beaten  at  all  points,  has  blown  up  his  magazines  and  retired.  It 
is  impossible  at  this  moment  to  say  any  thing  of  individual  gal 
lantry.  There  was  no  man  who  did  not  perform  his  duty  in  a 
manner  which  did  honour  to  himself  and  his  country.  Scott  and 
iForsyth's  commands,  supported  by  Boyd'sand  Winder's  brigades, 
Sustained  the  brunt  of  the  action.*  Our  loss  is  trifling,  perhaps 
not  more  than  twenty  killed  and  thrice  that  number  wounded. 
The  enemy  left  in  the  hospital  one  hundred  and  twenty-four, 
and  I  sent  several  on  board  the  fleet.  We  have  also  made  about 
one  hundred  prisoners  of  the  regular  forces. 

I  am,  sir,  your  obedient  servant, 

MORGAN  LEWIS. 
&ajor  general  Dearborn. 

BRIGADE  ORDER. 

NEWARK,  May  28th,  1813. 

The  general  commanding  1st  brigade  feels  a  peculiar  satisfac 
tion  in  congratulating  the  troops  on  their  glorious  achievements 
of  yesterday.  Their  conduct  was  such  as  to  entitle  them  to  the 
thanks  of  their  commander,  and  the  gratitude  of  their  country. 

Colonel  Miller  of  the  6th  regiment  deserves  great  applause 
for  the  steadiness  and  rapidity  with  which  he  supported  the 
advance  party  under  the  gallant  Scott ;  the  15th,  under  major 
King,  impatient  to  share  in  the  honour  of  the  day,  immediately 
seconded  and  formed  under  a  most  galling  fire ;  the  16th,  under 
colonel  Pearce,  urged  their  boats  to  the  shore,  and  bore  an  honour 
able  participation  in  the  contest.  The  light  artillerv,  under 
colonel  Porter,  merits  the  highest  encomiums,  for  their  indefati- 

*  Note.  Winder's  brigade  was  not  in  this  action.  The  battle  was  won  by 
Boyd's  brigade  and  Scott  and  Forsyth's  commands,  before  Winder  was  en- 
uhledto  land.— EDIT. 


165 

gable  exertions  ^nd  persevering  success  in  bringing  up  thefr 
ordnance.  They  surmounted  every  obstacle.  Much  was  expect 
ed  from  colonel  M'Clure's  volunteers,  and  the  general  has  not 
been  disappointed  :  it  will  be  his  duty  as  well  as  inclination  to 
make  their  claims  known  to  the  commander  in  chief.  As  all  the 
troops  behaved  so  well,  it  would  be  a  difficult  task  to  discriminate 
those  who  were  pre-eminent;  but  the  general  cannot  suppress 
his  admiration  of  the  fortitude  of  major  King,  who  continued  to 
lead  his  regiment  through  the  severity  of  the  contest,  long  after 
having  received  a  painful  and  debilitating  wound.  The  exertions 
of  the  officers  and  men  who  ascended  the  bank  and  formed  amidst 
such  a  destructive  fire,  excited  his  admiration,  and  astonished 
their  enemy's,  and  will  convince  their  countrymen  as  well  as  foes, 
that  valour  will  overcome  every  resistance.  The  general  will 
find  great  satisfaction  in  obeying  the  order  of  the  commander  in 
chief,  which  required  him  to  make  a  report  of  conspicuous  merit, 
whether  found  in  the  commissioned  officer  or  in  the  ranks,  and 
they  may  be  assured  that  their  distinguished  actions  shall  not 
pass  without  the  proper  encomium. 

Although  the  general  has  not  particularized  discriminate  merit, 
he  may  perhaps  be  excused  in  recording  the  intrepid  conduct  of 
his  aid-de-camp,  lieutenant  Whiting,  and  brigade  major  captain 
Grafton.  They  have  justified  his  expectations,  and  are  entitled 
to  his  applause. 

If  there  is  any  honour  due  to  your  brigadier  general,  it  is  his 
having  had  the  command  of  such  a  gallant  band  of  heroes. 
By  order  of  brigadier  general  Boyd. 

H.  WHITING,  Aid. 


SACKETT'S  HARBOR,  May  29th,  1813, 
DEAR  SIR, 

We  were  attacked  at  the  dawn  of  this  day  by  a  British  regular 
force  of,  say  at  least,  900  men,  most  probably  1200.  They  made 
good  their  landing  at  Horse  Island.  The  enemy's  fleet  consisted 
of  two  ships  and  four  schooners  and  thirty  large  open  boats.  We 
are  completely  victorious!  The  enemy  left  a  considerable  num 
ber  of  killed  and  wounded  on  the  field,  among  the  number  several 
officers  of  distinction.  After  having  re-embarked  they  sent  me  a 
flag  desiring  to  have  their  killed  and  wounded  attended  to.  I 
made  them  satisfied  upon  that  subject.  Americans  will  be  distin 
guished  for  humanity  and  bravery.  Our  loss  is  not  numerous, 
but  serious  from  the  great  worth  of  those  who  have  fallen.  Lieu 
tenant  colonel  Mills  was  shot  dead  at  the  commencement  of 
the  action,  and  lieutenant  colonel  Bacchus,  of  the  1st  regiment  of 
light  dragoons,  nobly  fell  at  the  head  of  his  regiment  as  victory 
was  declaring  for  us.  I  will  not  presume  to  praise  this  regiment ; 
their  gallant  conduct  on  this  day  merits  much,  more  than  praise-. 


164 

new  ship  and  commodore  Chauncey's  prize,  the  <1  Duke  of 
Gloucester,"  are  yet  safe  in  Sackett's  Harbor. 

Sir  George  Prevost  landed  and  commanded  in  person.  Sir 
James  Yeo  commanded  the  enemy's  fleet. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

JACOB  BROWN. 
Major  general  Dearborn. 

P.  S.  It  is  very  probable  we  shall  be  again  attacked,  as  sir 
George  Prevost  must  feel  very  sore.  We  are  however  greatly 
reinforced  from  the  country,  and  by  the  arrival  of  450  regulars 
under  colonel  Tuttle,  who  arrived  very  shortly  after  the  action 
was  over,  and  I  trust  that  you  may  rest  satisfied  that  we  shall 
not  be  disgraced* 


FORT  GEORGE,  June  6th,  1813. 

SIR, 

I  have  received  an  express  from  the  head  of  the  lake  this 
evening,  with  the  intelligence  that  our  troops  were  attacked  at 
2  o'clock  this  morning,  by  the  whole  British  force  and  Indians ; 
and  by  some  strange  fatality,  though  our  loss  was  small  and  the 
enemy  was  completely  routed  and  driven  from  the  field,  both, 
brigadier  generals  Chandler  and  Winder  were  taken  prisoners. 
They  had  advanced  to  ascertain  the  situation  of  a  company  of 
artillery,  where  the  attack  commenced.  General  Chandler  had 
his  horse  shot  under  him  and  was  bruised  by  the  fall.  General 
Vincent,  their  commander,  is  supposed  to  have  been  killed. 
Colonel  Clark  was  mortally  wounded,  and  fell  into  our  hands, 
with  sixty  prisoners  of  the  49th.  The  command  devolved  on 
colonel  Burn,  who  has  retired  to  the  Forty  Mile  Creek.  If 
either  of  the  general  officers  had  remained  in  command,  the  ene 
my  would  have  been  pursued  and  cut  up,  or  if  colonel  Burn  had 
been  an  officer  of  infantry.  The  loss  of  the  enemy  in  killed, 
wounded,  and  prisoners,  must  exceed  two  hundred  and  fifty.  The 
enemy  sent  in  a  flag  next  morning  with  a  request  to  bury  their 
dead.  Generals  Lewis  and  Boyd  set  off  immediately  to  join  the 
advanced  army.  I  never  so  severely  felt  the  want  of  health  as  at 
present,  at  a  time  when  my  services  might  perhaps  be  most  useful. 
I  hope  general  Hampton  will  repair  here  as  soon  as  possible. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

H.  DEARBORN. 
Hon.  John  Armstrong1. 

L'ORIENT,  (FRANCE,)  June  12th,  1813. 

SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  inform  you  that  the  United  States'  brig 
,  has  arrived  here  in  a  passage  of  23  days,  all  well.   On  our 


165 


sixteen  men.    She  was  from  Oporto,  bound  to  New  Foimdland  in 
ballast ;  captured  and  burnt  her. 

I  shall  immediately  proceed  to  put  in  execution  your  orders  a$ 
to  our  ulterior  destination. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

WILLIAM  H.  ALLEN. 
Hon.  Win.  Jones,  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 


NIAGARA,  June  14th,  1813. 

SIR, 

You  will  perceive  by  the  enclosed  copy  of  orders  marked  1,. 
that  general  Dearborn,  from  indisposition,  has  resigned  his  com 
mand,  not  only  of  the  Niagara  army,  but  of  the  district.  I  have 
doubts  whether  he  will  ever  again  be  fit  for  service.  He  has  been 
repeatedly  in  a  state  of  convalescence,  but  relapses  on  the  least 
agitation  of  mind. 

In  my  last  I  mentioned  the  unfortunate  circumstance  of  the 
capture  of  our  two  brigadiers,  Chandler  and  Winder.  The  par 
ticulars  are  detailed  in  the  report  of  colonel  Burn,  which  he  gives 
from  the  best  information  he  could  collect.  His  corps  lay  a  con 
siderable  distance  from  the  scene  of  active  operation,  as  you  will 
perceive  by  the  enclosed  diagram,  which  is  on  a  scale  of  about 
one  hundred  yards  in  the  inch.  The  light  corps  spoken  of,  were 
captains  Hindman's,  Nicholas's,  and  Biddle's  company  of  the  2d 
artillery,  serving  as  infantry.  These  three  gentlemen,  and  captains 
Archer  and  Towson,  of  the  same  regiment,  and  Leonard,  of  the 
light  artillery,  are  soldiers  who  would  honour  any  service.  Their 
gallantry,  and  that  of  their  companies,  was  equally  conspicuous 
on  this  occasion  as  in  the  affair  of  the  27th  ultimo.  A  view  of 
general  Chandler's  encampment  will  be  sufficient  to  show  that  his 
disaster  was  owing  to  its  arrangements.  Its  centre  being  its 
weakest  point,  and  that  being  discovered  by  the  enemy  in  the 
evening,  received  the  combined  attack  of  the  whole  force,  and 
his  line  was  completely  cut.  The  gallantry  of  the  5th,  25th,  and 
part  of  the  23d,  and  light  troops,  saved  the  army.  Of  the  5th 
it  is  said,  that  when  the  day  broke,  not  a  man  was  missing — and 
that  a  part  of  the  23d,  under  major  Armstrong,  was  found  sus 
taining  its  left  flank.  Their  fire  was  irresistible,  and  the  enemy 
was  compelled  to  give  way.  Could  he  have  been  pressed  the 
next  morning,  his  destruction  was  inevitable.  He  was  dispersed  in 
every  direction,  and  even  his  commanding  general  was  missing, 
without  his  hat  or  horse.  I  understand  he  was  found  the  next 
morning  almost  famished,  at  a  distance  of  four  miles  from  the 
Scene  of  actkro. 


166 

I  lieutenant  M'Chesney's  gallantry  recovered  a  piece  of  artillery, 
and  prevented  the  capture  ot'  others.  He  merits  promotion  for  it. 

On  the  evening  of  the  6th  of  June,  I  received  the  order  No. 
4,  and  joined  the  army  at  5  in  the  afternoon  of  the  7th.  I  found 
it  at  the  Forty  Mile  Creek,  ten  miles  in  the  rear  of  the  ground 
on  which  it  had  been  attacked,  encamped  on  a  plain  of  a  mile  in 
width,  with  its  right  flank  on  the  lake,  and  its  left  on  the  creek 
which  skirts  the  base  of  a  perpendicular  mountain  of  a  consider- 
rable  height.  On  my  route  I  received  No.  5  and  6,  enclosed. 

At  6  in  the  evening,  the  hostile  fleet  hove  in  sight,  though  its 
character  could  not  be  ascertained  with  precision.  We  lay  on  our 
arms  all  night.  At  dawn  of  day  struck  our  tents,  and  descried 
the  hostile  squadron  abreast  of  us,  about  a  mile  from  the  shore. 
Our  boats  which  transported  the  principal  part  of  our  baggage  and 
camp  equipage  lay  on  the  beach  ;  it  was  a  dead  calm,  and  about  6, 
the  enemy  towed  in  a  large  schooner,  which  opened  her  fire  on  our 
boats.  As  soon  as  she  stood  for  the  shore,  her  object  being  evident, 
I  ordered  down  Archer's  and  Towson's  companies,  with  four 
pieces  of  artillery,  to  resist  her  attempts.  1,  at  the  same  time, 
sent  captain  Totten,  of  the  engineers  (a  most  valuable  officer)  to 
construct  a  temporary  furnace  for  heating  shot,  which  was  pre 
pared  and  in  operation  in  less  than  30  minutes.  Her  fire  was  re 
turned  with  a  vivacity  and  effect  (excelled  by  no  artillery  in  the 
universe)  which  soon  compelled  her  to  retire.  A  party  of  savages 
now  made  their  appearance  on  the  brow  of  the  mountain,  (winch 
being  perfectly  bald,  exhibited  them  to  our  view,)  and  commenced 
a  fire  on  our  camp.  I  ordered  colonel  Chrystie  to  dislodge  them, 
who  entered  on  the  service  with  alacrity,  but  found  himself  antici 
pated  by  lieutenant  Eidridge,  the  adjutant  of  his  regiment,  who, 
with  a  promptness  and  gallantry  highly  honourable  to  that  young 
officer,  had  already  gained  the  summit  of  the  mountain,  with  a 
party  of  volunteers,  and  routed  the  barbarian  allies  of  the  defender 
of  the  Christian  faith.  This  young  man  merits  the  notice  of  go 
vernment. 

These  little  affairs  cost  us  not  a  man.  Sir  James  Yeo,  being 
disappointed  of  a  tragedy,  next  determined,  in  true  dramatic  style, 
to  amuse  us  with  a  farce.  An  officer,  with  a  flag,  was  sent  to  me 
from  his  ship,  advising  me,  that  as  1  was  invested  with  savages  in 
my  rear,  a  fleet  in  my  front,  and  a  powerful  army  on  my  flank,  he, 
and  the  officers  commanding  his  Britannic  majesty's  land  forces, 
thought  it  their  duty  to  demand  a  surrender  of  my  army.  1  an 
swered,  that  the  message  was  too  ridiculous  to  merit  a  reply. 

No.  7  was  delivered  to  me,  about  6  this  morning;  between  7 
and  8  o'clock,  the  four  wagons  we  had,  being  loaded,  first  with  the 
sick,  and  next  with  the  ammunition,  &c.  the  residue  of  camp 
equipage  and  baggage  was  put  in  boats,  and  a  detachment  of  200 
men  of  the  6th  regiment,  detailed  to  proceed  in  them.  Orders 
were  prepared  to  be  given  them  to  defend  the  boats,  and  if  as- 
Sailed  by  any  of  the  enemy's  small  vessels,  to  carry  them  by 


167 

boarding.  By  some  irregularity,  which  I  have  not  been  able  to 
discover,  the  boats  put  off  without  the  detachments,  induced  pro 
bably  by  the  stillness  of  the  morning.  When  they  had  progressed 
about  three  miles,  a  breeze  sprang  up,  and  an  armed  schooner 
overhauled  them ;  those  who  were  enterprizing  kept  on  and  es 
caped,  others  ran  to  the  shore  and  deserted  their  boats;  we  lost 
twelve  of  the  number,  principally  containing  the  baggage  of  the 
officers  and  men. 

At  ten,  I  put  the  army  in  motion,  on  our  return  to  this  place. 
The  savages  and  incorporated  militia  hung  on  our  flanks  and  rear 
throughout  the  march,  and  picked  up  a  few  stragglers.  On  our 
retiring,  the  British  army  advanced,  and  now  occupy  the  ground 
we  left. 

The  enemy's  fleet  is  constantly  hovering  on  our  coast,  and  in 
terrupting  our  supplies.  The  night  before  last,  being  advised  ot 
their  having  chased  into  Eighteen  Mile  Creek,  two  vessels  laden 
with  hospital  stores,  &c.  I  detached  at  midnight,  75  men  for  their 
protection.  The  report  of  the  day  is  (though  not  official)  that  they 
arrived  too  late  for  their  purpose,  and  that  the  stores  were  lost. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

MORGAN  LEWIS. 

Honourable  John  Armstrong, 

Secretary  of  War. 

Report  of  killed,  wounded  and  missing,  in  the  action  of  the  6th  of 
June,  at  Stoney  Creek. 

Killed,  17 

Wounded,  -  -  -  -  •  -38 

Missing,        -  ....  99 

Total,         154 


HALIFAX,  June  15th,  1813. 

SIR, 

The  unfortunate  death  of  captain  James  Lawrence,  and  lieu 
tenant  Augustus  C.  Ludlow,  has  rendered  it  my  duty  to  inform 
you  of  the  capture  of  the  late  United  States'  frigate  Chesapeake. 

On  Tuesday,  June  1st,  at  8  A.  M.  we  unmoored  ship,  and  at 
meridian  got  under  weigh  from  President's  Roads,  with  a  light 
wind  from  the  southward  and  westward*  and  proceeded  on  a  cruise. 
A  ship  was  then  in  sight  in  the  offing,  which  had  the  appearance 
of  a  ship  of  war,  and  which,  from  information  received  from  pilot- 
boats  and  craft,  we  believed  to  be  the  British  frigate  Shannon, 
We  made  sail  in  chase,  and  cleared  ship  for  action.  At  half  past 
4  P.  M.  she  hove  to  with  her  head  to  the  southward  and  eastward. 
At  5  P,  M.  took  fa  the  royals  arid  top -gallant  sails,  and  at  half. 


165 

past  5,  hauled  the  courses  up.  About  15  minutes  before  6  P.  M.. 
the  action  commenced  within  pistol  shot.  The  first  broadside  did 
great  execution  on  both  sides,  damaged  our  rigging,  killed,  among 
others,  Mr.  White  the  sailing  master,  and  wounded  captain  Law 
rence.  In  about  1 2  minutes  after  the  commencement  of  the  action, 
we  fell  on  board  of  the  enemy,  and  immediately  after,  one  of  our 
arm  chests  on  the  quarter-deck  was  blown  up  by  a  hand-grenade 
thrown  from  the  enemy's  ship.  In  a  few  minutes,  one  of  the  cap- 
Iain's  aids  came  on  the  gun-deck  to  inform  me  that  the  boarders 
were  called.  I  immediately  called  the  boarders  awray,  and  pro  • 
ceeded  to  the  spar-deck,  where  I  found  that  the  enemy  had  suc 
ceeded  in  boarding  us,  and  gained  possession  of  our  quarter  deck* 
I  immediately  gave  orders  to  haul  on  board  the  fore-tack,  for  the 
purpose  of  shooting  the  ship  clear  of  the  other,  and  then  made  an 
attempt  to  re-gain  the  quarter-deck,  but  was  wounded  and  thrown 
down  on  the  gun-deck.  I  again  made  an  effort  to  collect  the 
boarders,  but  in  the  mean  time  the  enemy  had  gained  complete 
possession  of  the  ship.  On  my  being  carried  down  in  the  cock 
pit,  I  there  found  captain  Lawrence  and  lieutenant  Ludlow,  both 
mortally  wounded  ;  the  former  had  been  carried  below,  previously 
to  the  snip's  being  boarded  ;  the  latter  was  wounded  in  attempting 
to  repel  the  boarders.  Among  those  who  fell  early  in  the  action, 
was  Mr.  Edward  J.  Ballard,  the  4th  lieutenant,  and  lieutenant 
James  Broom,  of  marines. 

1  herein  enclose  you  a  return  of  the  killed  and  wounded,  by 
which  you  will  perceive  that  every  officer,  upon  whom  the  charge 
of  the  ship  would  devolve,  was  either  killed  or  wounded,  previously 
to  her  capture.  The  enemy  report  the  loss  of  Mr.  Watt,  their  first 
lieutenant,  the  purser,  the  captain's  clerk,  and  23  seamen  killed ; 
and  captain  Broke,  a  midshipman,  and  56  seamen  wounded 

The  Shannon,  had,  in  addition  to  her  full  complement,  an  officer 
and  16  men  belonging  to'  the  Belle  Poule,  and  a  part  of  the  crew 
belonging  to  the  Tenedos, 

I  have  the  honour  be,  &c. 

GEORGE  BUDD, 

The  lion.  "William  Jones, 

Secretary  of  the  Navy,  Washington, 


Return  of  killed  and  wounded  on  board  the  Chesapeake,  in  her 
action  with  the  Shannon. 


Killed— Officers, 
Seamen, 
Marines, 


10 

-    26 
11 


Total  killed,      47 


Wounded—Officers,       -       -  21 

Seamen,     -       -      -  57 

Marines,       -      -  20 

Total  wounded,  98 


SACKETT'S  HARBOR,  June  18th,  1815. 

SIR, 

According  to  your  orders  of  the  14th  instant,  I  proceeded  off 
Presque  Isle,  in  the  schooner  Lady  of  the  Lake.  On  the  morning 
of  the  16th  fell  in  with  and  captured  the  English  schooner  Lady 
Murray,  from  Kingston,  bound  to  York,  loaded  with  provision^ 
and  ammunition. 

Enclosed  is  a  list  of  one  ensign,  fifteen  non-commissioned  offi 
cers  and  privates,  found  on  board,  with  six  men  attached  to  ther 
vessel. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

WOLCOTT  CHAUNCEY. 

Commodore  Chauucey. 


MONTREAL,  June  18th,  181J. 

SIR, 

I  deem  it  my  duty  to  embrace  the  earliest  opportunity  possi 
ble  to  give  you  a  more  detailed  account  of  the  affair  of  the  6th  in* 
stant  near  Stony  Creek,  than  I  have  before  had  it  in  my  power  to  do. 
On  the  morning  of  the  5th  I  arrived  at  Forty  Mile  Creek.  The 
detachment  under  general  Winder  was  then  under  marching 
orders  for  Stony  Creek.  After  a  short  halt  the  whole  marched 
for  that  place  and  arrived  there  between  five  and  six  o'clock,  P.  M. 
at  which  place  a  small  picket  of  the  enemy  was  posted,  but  retired 
on  our  approach.  The  advanced  guard  pursued,  and  soon  fell  in. 
with  a  picket  of  about  100  strong,  under  colonel  Williams.  A 
skirmish  ensued.  I  hastened  to  the  main  body.  Williams  retreat 
ed,  and  our  advance  pursued.  The  pursuit  was  continued  rather 
longer  than  I  could  have  wished,  but  returned  to  their  proper  posi 
tion  in  the  line  of  march,  not  far  from  sun-set.  I  had  ordered  the 
13th  and  14th,  who  were  in  the  rear,  to  take  a  position  for  the 
night,  near  the  mouth  of  the  creek,  to  cover  the  boats,  (should 
$iey  arrive)  which  would  be  on  the  route  which  I  intended  to  pur 
sue  the  next  morning ;  and  a  favourable  position  presenting  itself* 
I  encamped  with  the  residue  of  the  troops  (except  captain  Archer's 
company  of  artillery,  which  encamped  with  the  13th  and  14th)  on 
the  spot  where  we  had  halted,  with  an  advanced  picket  from  half 
to  three  quarters  of  a  mile  in  front,  with  express  orders  for  them  to 
keep  out  constantly  a  patrole.  A  right  and  left  flank  guard  and  a 
rear  guard  were  also  posted.  I  gave  positive  orders  for  the  troops 
to  lay  on  their  arms.  Contrary  to  my  orders  fires  were  kindled  $ 
but  there  are  doubts  whether  this  operated  for  or  against  us,  as  the 
fires  of  the  25th,  which  were  in  front,  and  by  my  orders  had 
been  abandoned,  enabled  us  to  see  a  small  part  of  the  enemy, 
while  the  fires  on  our  left  enabled  the  enemy  to  see  our  line.  On 
the  whole,  I  think  it  operated  against  us.  I  did  expect  the  enemy 
would  attack  us  tha^  night,  if  he  intended  to  fight ;  but  perhaps 
tfeds  was  not  expected  by  all.  I  bad  my  hocse.  co.nfae4 
22 


170 

and  directed  that  the  harness  should  not  be  taken  from  the  artil 
lery  horses.  I  directed  where  and  how  the  line  should  be  formed, 
in  case  of  attack.  About  an  hour  before  day-light  on  the  morn 
ing  of  the  6th,  the  alarm  was  given.  I  was  instantly  up,  and  the 
25th,  which  lay  near  me,  was  almost  as  instantly  tanned,  as  well 
as  the  5th  and  23d,  which  was  on  the  left,  under  the  immediate 
eye  of  general  Winder.  Owing  to  the  neglect  of  the  front 
picket,  or  some  other  cause,  the  British  forces  say  that  they  were 
not  hailed,  or  an  alarm  given,  until  they  were  within  300  yards 
of  our  line.  The  extreme  darkness  prevented  us  from  seeing  or 
knowing  at  what  point  they  intended  to  attack  us,  until  an  attack 
was  made  upon  our  right.  A  well  directed  fire  was  opened  upon 
them  from  the  25th,  and  from  nearly  the  whole  line.  After  a  lew 
minutes  I  heard  several  muskets  in  our  rear,  in  the  direction  of 
the  rear  guard,  and  then  expected  that  the  enemy  had  gained  our 
rear  by  some  path  unkown  to  us,  and  was  about  to  attack  us  in 
the  rear.  I  instantly  ordered  colonel  Milton,  with  the  5th,  to 
form  in  our  rear  near  the  woods,  to  meet  such  circumstances  as 
mishit  take  place,  knowing"  that  I  could  call  him  to  any  other 
point  if  necessary,  at  any  moment.  I  had  observed  that  the  ar 
tillery  was  not  covered,  and  directed  general  Winder  to  cause  the 
23d  to  be  formed  so  far  to  the  right,  that  their  right  should  cover 
the  artillery.  At  this  moment  I  heard  a  new  burst  of  fire  from 
the  enemy's  left,  on  our  right,  and  not  able  to  see  any  thing  which 
took  place,  I  set  out  full  speed  towards  the  right,  to  take  mea 
sures  to  prevent  my  right  flank  from  being  turned,  which  I  ex 
pected  was  the  object  of  the  enemy.  I  had  proceeded  but  a  few 
yards  before  my  horse  fell  under  me,  by  which  fall  I  received  a 
serious  injury.  Here  was  a  time  when  I  have  no  recollection  of 
what  passed,  but  I  presume  it  was  not  long.  As  soon  as  I  re 
covered,  I  recollected  what  my  object  was,  and  made  my  way  to 
the  right,  and  gave  major  Smith  such  directions  as  1  thought 
proper,  to  prevent  his  right  from  being  turned  by  surprise.  I  was 
then  returning  toward  the  centre,  and  when  near  the  artillery, 
heard  men,  who,  by  the  noise,  appeared  to  be  in  confusion,  it 
being  the  point  at  which  I  expected  the  23d  to  be  formed;  I  ex 
pected  it  was  that  regiment. 

I  approached  them,  and  as  soon  as  I  was  near  enough,  I  saw  a 
body  of  men,  wrho  I  thought  to  be  the  23d,  in  the  rear  of  the  ar 
tillery,  broken.  I  hobbled  in  amongst  them,  and  began  to  rally 
them,  and  directed  them  to  form ;  but  I  soon  found  my  mistake ; 
it  was  the  British  49th  who  had  pushed  forward  to  the  head  of 
their  column,  and  gained  the  rear  of  the  artillery.  I  was  imme 
diately  disarmed,  and  conveyed  down  the  column  to  its  rear.  It 
was  not  yet  day,  and  the  extreme  darkness  of  the  night,  to  which 
was  added  the  smoke  of  the  fire,  put  it  totally  out  of  our  power 
to  see  the  situation  of  the  enemy.  This  was  all  that  saved  their 
columns  from  sure  and  total  destruction,  of  which  some  of  their 
efficers  are  aware-  Afte,r  seeing  the  situation  of  the  column  as  I 


171 

passed,  I  did  hope  and  expect  that  general  Winder,  on  the 
first  dawn  of  light,  would  see  their  situation,  and  bring  colonel 
Milton  with  the  5th' (whom  I  had  still  kept  in  reserve  until  1  could 
have  day-light  to  discern  their  situation)  to  attack  this  column, 
which  I  am  sure  he  would  have  done  to  advantage  ;  but,  to  my 
mortification,  I  soon  learned  that  he  had  fallen  into  the  same  mis 
take  with  myself ;  and  by  endeavouring  to  learn  what  was  taking 
place  in  the  centre,  he  was  also  taken,  as  well  as  major  Van  De 
Venter.  To  the  extreme  darkness  of  the  night,  the  enemy's 
knowledge  of  his  intended  point  of  attack,  and  our  not  know 
ing  at  what  point  to  expect  him,  must  be  attributed  this  partial 
success,  and  not  to  a  want  of  strength  or  bravery  in  our  troops, 
who  generally  behaved  remarkably  well  under  all  circumstances; 
and  however  unfortunate  the  event,  as  it  relates  to  myself,  I  only 
ask  that  all  the  circumstances  may  be  taken  into  consideration,  in 
making  up  your  opinion  upon  the  conduct  of  general  Winder 
and  myself  in  this  affair,  which  I  am  sure  you  will  do,  and  I  flatter 
myself  you  will  see  no  cause  of  censure.  I  regret  that  my  decre- 
pid  situation,  and  the  rapidity  with  which  we  have  been  brought 
to  this  place,  has  put  it  out  of  my  power  to  give  you  a  detailed 
account  of  the  affair  earlier.  I  am  now  able  to  walk  some  with 
the  aid  of  a  cane,  and  hope  I  shall  continue  to  recover. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

JOHN  CHANDLER, 

Brigadier  General* 
Major  General  Dearborn.          . 


NAVY  YARD,  GOSPORT,  June  21st,  1813. 
SIR, 

On  Saturday,  at  11  P.  M.  captain  Tarbell  moved  with  the 
flotilla  under  his  command,  consisting  of  15  gun-boats  in  two 
divisions ;  lieutenant  John  M.  Gardner,  1st  division,  and  lieutenant 
Robert  Henley,  the  2d,  manned  from  the  frigate  ;  and  50  musket- 
teers  general  Taylor  ordered  from  Craney  Island,  and  proceeded 
down  the  river ;  but  adverse  winds  and  squalls  prevented  his 
approaching  the  enemy  until  Sunday  morning  at  4  P.  M.  when 
the  flotilla  commenced  a  heavy  galling  fire  on  a  frigate,  at  about 
three  quarters  of  a  mile  distance,  lying  well  up  the  roads,  two 
other  frigates  lying  in  sight.  At  half  past  4  a  breeze  sprung  up 
from  east  north  east,  which  enabled  the  two  frigates  to  get  under 
way,  one  a  raz.ee  or  very  heavy  ship,  and  the  other  a  frigate,  to 
come  near  into  the  action.  The  boats  in  consequence  of  their 
approach  hauled  oft',  though  keeping  up  a  well  directed  fire  on  the 
razee  and  other  ship,  which  gave  us  several  broadsides*  The  fri 
gate  first  engaged,  supposed  to  be  the  Junon,  was  certainly  very 
severely  handled.  Had  the  calm  continued  one  half  hour,  that 
frigate  must  have  fallen  into  our  hands  or  been  destroyed*  She 


172 

i&ust  liavc  slipt  her  mooring  so  as  to  drop  nearer  the  wizee,  who 
had  all  sails  set  coming  up  to  her  with  the  other  frigate.  The 
action  continued  one  hour  and  a  half  with  the  three  ships.  Shortly 
after  the  action  the  razee  got  along  side  of  the  ship,  and  had  her 
upon  a  deep  careen  in  a  little  time  with  a  number  of  boats  and 
•stages  round  her.  I  am  satisfied  considerable  damage  was  done 
to  her,  for  she  was  silenced  some  time,  until  the  razee  opened  her 
fire,  when  she  commenced  again.  Our  loss  is  very  trifling.  Mr. 
Allison,  master's  mate  on  board  number  139,  was  killed  early  in 
the  action  by  an  eighteen  pound  ball,  which  passed  through  him 
and  lodged  in  the  mast.  Number  154  had  a  shot  between  wind 
and  water.  Number  67  had  her  franklin  shot  away,  and  several 
of  them  had  some  of  their  sweeps  as  well  as  their  stauntions  shot 
«,way ;  but  two  men  slightly  injured  by  the  splinters  from  the 
sweeps.  On  the  flood  tide  several  ships  of  the  line  and  frigates 
came  into  the  roads,  and  we  did  expect  an  attack  last  night.  There 
are  now  in  the  roads  thirteen  ships  of  the  line  and  frigates,  one 
brig  and  several  tenders. 

I  cannot  say  too  much  of  the  officers  and  men  on  this  occasion, 
for  every  man  appeared  to  go  into  action  with  so  much  cheerful 
ness,  apparently  to  do  their  duty,  resolved  to  conquer.  I  had  a 
better  opportunity  of  discovering  their  actions  than  any  one  else, 
being  in  my  boat  the  whole  of  the  action. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

JOHN  CASSIN. 

The  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 


ATTACK  UPON  CRANEY  ISLAND. 

NAVY  YARD,  GOSPORT,  June  23d,  1815. 

, 

I  have  the  honour  to  inform  you  that  on  the  20th  the  enemy' 
got  under  way,  in  all  thirteen  sail,  and  dropped  up  to  the  moutk 
of  James  River,  one  ship  bearing  a  flag  at  the  mizen.  At  5  P.  M. 
were  discovered  making  great  preparation  with  troops  for  landing, 
having  a  number  of  boats  for  the  purpose.  Finding  Craney  Island 
rather  weak  manned,  captain  Tarbell  directed  lieutenants  Neale, 
Shubrick  and  Sanders,  with  100  seamen  on  shore,  at  11  A.  M.  to 
a  small  battery  on  the  north  west  point  of  the  island.  Tuesday 
22d,  at  the  dawn,  the  enemy  were  discovered  landing  round  the 
point  of  Nansemond  River,  said  to  be  4,000  troops  ;  and  at  8  A. 
M.  the  barges  attempted  to  land  in  front  of  the  island,  out  of  reaclt 
of  the  shot  from  the  gun -boats,  when  lieutenants  Neale,  Shubrick 
and  Sanders,  with  the  sailors ;  and  lieutenant  Brackenbridge,  with 
the  marines  of  the  Constellation,  150  in  number,  opened  the  fire, 
which  was  so  well  directed,  that  the  enemy  were  glad  to  get  off, 
after  sinking  three  of  their  largest  boats.  One  of  them,  called  the 
Centipede,  admiral  Warren's  boat,  fifty  feet  in  length,  carried  75 


173 

men,  the  greater  part  of  whom  were  lost  by  her  sinking.  Twenty 
soldiers  and  sailors  were  saved,  and  the  boats  hauled  up.  I  y  re 
sume  there  were  forty  fell  back  in  the  rear  of  the  island,  md 
commenced  throwing  rockets  from  Mr.  Wise's  houses;  whea 
gun-boat  67  threw  a  few  shots  over  that  way,  they  dispersed  and 
went  back. 

We  have  had  all  day  deserters  from  the  army  coming  in ;  I 
have  myself  taken  in  25,  and  18  prisoners  belonging  to  the  Cen 
tipede. 

The  officers  of  the  Constellation  fired  their  18  pounder  morft 
4ike  riflemen  than  artillerists.  I  never  saw  such  shooting,  and 
seriously  believe  they  saved  the  island.  In  the  evening  their  boats 
came  round  the  point  of  Nansemond,  and  at  sun-set  were  seen 
returning  to  their  ships  full  of  men.  At  dusk  they  strewed  th6 
shore  along  with  fires,  in  order  to  runaway  by  the  light 

I  have  the  honou  r  to  be,  &c. 

JOHN  CASSIN. 

The  honourable  William  Jones, 

Secretary  of  the  Navy. 


AFFAIR  AT  BEAVER  DAMS. 

FORT  GEORGE,  June  25th, 

SIR, 

I  have  the  mortification  of  informing  you  of  an  unfortunate 
and  unaccountable  event  which  occurred  yesterday.  On  the  23d, 
at  evening,  colonel  Boerstler  with  570  men,  infantry,  artillery, 
cavalry  and  riflemen,  in  due  proportion,  was  ordered  to  march, 
by  the  way  of  Queenstown,  to  a  place  called  the  Beaver  Dams,  on 
the  high  ground,  about  eight  or  nine  miles  from  Queenstown,  to 
attack  and  disperse  a  body  of  the  enemy  collected  there  for  the 
purpose  of  procuring  provisions  and  harassing  those  inhabitants 
who  are  considered  friendly  to  the  United  States ;  their  force  was, 
from  the  most  direct  information,  composed  of  one  company  of 
the  104th  regiment,  above  80  strong;  from  150  to  200  militia, 
and  from  50  to  60  Indians.  At  8  o'clock  yesterday  morning, 
when  within  about  two  miles  of  the  Beaver  Dams,  our  detachment 
was  attacked  from  an  ambuscade,  but  soon  drove  the  enemy  some 
.distance  into  the  woods,  and  then  retired  to  a  clear  field,  and  sent 
an  express  for  a  reinforcement,  saying  he  would  maintain  his  posi 
tion  until  reinforced.  A  reinforcement  of  300  men,  marched 
.immediately,  under  the  command  of  colonel  Chrystie;  but  on  ar 
riving  at  Queenstown,  colonel  Chrystie  received  authentic  infor 
mation,  that  lieutenant  colonel  Boerstler,  with  his  command,  had 
surrendered  to  the  enemy, and  the  reinforcement  returned  to  camp, 
A  man  who  belonged  to  a  small  corps  of  volunteer  riflemen,  came 
m  this  morning,  whe  states  that  the  enemy  surrounded  our  de- 


174 

tachment  in  the  woods,  and  towards  12  o'clock,  commenced  a 
general  attack ;  that  our  troops  fought  more  than  two  hours,  until 
the  artillery  had  expended  the  whole  of  its  ammunition,  and  then 
surrendered,  and  at  the  time  of  the  surrender,  the  informant 
made  his  escape.  Why  it  should  have  been  deemed  proper  to 
remain  several  hours  in  a  position  surrounded  with  woods,  without 
either  risking  a  decisive  action,  or  effecting  a  retreat,  remains  to 
be  accounted  for,  as  well  as  the  project  of  waiting  for  a  reinforce 
ment,  from  a  distance  of  15  or  16  miles. 

No  information  has  been  received  of  the  killed  or  wounded. 
The  enemy's  fleet  has  again  arrived  in  our  neighbourhood. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

H.  DEARBORN. 
The  Secretary  of  War. 

U.  S.  FLOTILLA,  CAPE  MAY,  June  29th,  1813. 

SIR, 

Laying  off  Dennis's  Creek  this  morning,  I  discovered  that 
an  enemy's  sloop  of  war  had  chased  a  small  vessel,  and  had  taken 
her  near  the  Overfalls.  I  immediately  got  under  weigh  and 
stood  down  the  bay.  The  sloop  of  war  stood  so  near  the  Over 
falls  that  she  grounded  slightly  on  the  outer  ridge  of  Crow's 
Shoals.  I  thought  proper  to  endeavour  to  bring  him  to  action. 
I  succeeded  and  got  within  three  quarters  of  a  mile,  and  anchor 
ed  the  boats  (consisting  of  eight  gun  boats  and  two  block  sloops) 
in  a  line  ahead.  A  heavy  frigate  had  by  this  time  anchored  about 
a  half  mile  further  out.  After  a  cannonade  of  one  hour  and  forty- 
five  minutes,  in  which  the  ships  kept  up  a  constant  and  heavy  fire, 
heaving  their  shot  from  a  half  to  three  quarters  of  a  mile  over  us, 
they  doing  us  little  or  no  damage,  their  shot  seldom  striking  us,  the 
sloop  of  war  and  frigate  finding  our  shot  to  tell  on  their  hulls, 
manned  their  boats,  ten  in  number,  (  2  launches,  the  rest  laige 
barges  and  cutters)  with  from  30  to  40  men  each,  and  despatched 
them  after  gun  boat  No.  121,  sailing  marter  Shead,  which  had  un 
fortunately  fell  a  mile  and  a  half  out  of  the  line,  although  it  had 
been  my  possitive  and  express  orders  to  anchor  at  half  cable 
length  apart,  and  not  further.  From  the  strong  ebb  tide  they 
succeeded  in  capturing  her,  after  a  gallant  resistance,  (for  three 
times  did  No.  121  discharge  her  long  gun,  apparently  full  of  can- 
nister,  among  the  whole  line  of  boats,  when  at  a  very  short  dis 
tance,  which  must  have  done  execution,  and  not  till  after  he  was 
boarded  did  the  colours  come  down)  before  any  assistance  could  be 
given  her :  however,  we  got  near  enough  to  destroy  three  or  four  of 
their  boats,  and  must  have  killed  a  vast  number  of  men.  It  being  a 
calm,  they  succeeded  in  getting  her  away,  by  sending  all  their 
boats  ahead  and  towing  her,  but  have  paid  dearly  for  their  temer 
ity  ;  they  must  at  least  have  had  one-third  of  their  men  killed  and 


175 

wounded.  They  put  one  shot  through  the  foot  of  the  Buffaloe's 
jib,  and  one  through  the  under  part  of  tiie  bowsprit,  and  cut  gun 
boat  No.  125,  sailing  master  L.  Moleire's  rigging  i»i  several 
places,  and  an  eighteen  pound  shot  struck  her  long  gun  and  in 
dented  it  several  incites  ;  but  happy  am  I  to  say,  that  not  a  man 
was  wounded  in  any  of  the  boats,  except  the  one  captured,  and 
have  not  yet  learned  their  fate.  1  feel  much  indebted  to  lieuten 
ant  Mitchell,  and  officers  commanding  gun  boats,  for  their  spirit 
ed  conduct  in  carrying  into  execution  my  orders ;  and  if  1  may 
judge  from  the  gallant  resistance  made  by  sailing  master  Shead, 
in  engaging  when  surrounded  by  the  boats  of  the  enemy,  that 
every  officer  and  man  of  the  flotilla  will  do  their  duty  in  all  situa 
tions. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

SAMUEL  ANGUS, 
Commanding  U.  S.  Del.  flotilla. 

P.  S.  The  action  commenced  at  7  minutes  before  1  P.  M.  and 
ended  at  37  minutes  after  2  P.  M. 


U.  S.  FRIGATE  ESSEX,  PACIFIC  OCEAN, 

July  2d,  1813. 

SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  inform  you  that  on  the  29th  of  April,  in 
the  latitude  of  40  north,  longitude  91  15  west,  about  20  miles  to 
the  northward  of  the  island  of  Albermarle,  one  of  the  Gallapagos, 
in  the  Pacific  Ocean,  I  captured  the  British  ship  Moritezmna ; 
two  others  being  in  sight,  close  together,  distant  from  us  about 
7  miles,  which  we  were  informed  were  the  British  letters  of 
marque  ships  Policy  and  Georgiana ;  the  first  mounting  10  guns, 
6  and  9  pounders;  the  other  six  18,  pounders,  4  swivels,  and  6 
long  blunderbusses  mounted  on  swivels.  The  wind  being  light 
and  variable,  and  confiding  greatly  in  the  bravery  and  enterprise 
of  my  officers  and  men,  and  apprehensive  of  their  escape  from 
the  prevalence  of  fogs  in  that  climate,  1  directed  the  boats  of  this 
ship  to  be  armed  and  manned,  and  divided  into  two  divisions, 
placing  the  first  under  the  command  of  lieutenant  Downes,  1st 
lieutenant,  in  a  whale  boat,  accompanied  by  midshipman  Farra- 
gutt.  The  officers  in  command  of  boats  under  lieutenant  Dowries, 
were  lieutenant  S,  D.  M'Knight,  in  tSie  3d  cutter,  accompanied 
by  midshipman  W.  Hf  Oderiheimer,  sailing  master  John  P.  Cow- 
ell,  in  the  jolly  boat,  accompanied  by  midshipman  H.  W.  Ogden, 
and  midshipman  George  Isaacs,  in  the  2d  cutter.  The  2d  division 
under  the  command  of  lieutenant  Wilmer,  2d  lieutenant  in  the 
pinnace,  accompanied  by  midshipman  Henry  Gray,  and  master's 
mate  James  Terry;  lieutenant  Wilson  and  Mr.  Shaw,  purser,  in 
the  1st  cutter,  and  lieutenant  Gamble,  of  the  marines,  in  the  gig. 


Suitable  signals  were  established,  and  each  boat  had  her  particular- 
station  pointed  out  for  the  attack,  and  every  other  previous  ar 
rangement  was  made  to  prevent  confusion.  The  boats,  seven  in 
number,  rowed  oft*  in  admirable  order.  Guns  were  fired  from  the 
enemy  to  terrify  them  ;  they  rowed  up  under  the  muzzles  of  the 
guns  and  took  their  stations  for  attacking  the  first  ship,  and  no 
sooner  was  the  American  flag  displayed  by  lieutenant  Downes,  as 
the  signal  for  boarding,  and  the  intention  was  discovered  by  the 
enemy,  than  the  colours  were  struck,  without  a  shot  being  fired ; 
so  much  were  they  daunted  by  the  intrepidity  of  our  brave  officers 
and  men.  They  then  left  a  crew  on  board  the  prize  and  took  their 
stations  for  attacking  the  other  vessel,  when  her  flag  was  also 
struck,  on  the  first  call  to  surrender.  Thus  were  two  fine  British 
ships,  each  piercedfor2G  guns,  worth  near  half  a  million  of  dollars, 
mounting  between  them  16  guns  and  manned  with  55  men,  well 
supplied  with  ammunition  and  small  arms,  surrendered,  without 
the  slightest  resistance,  to  seven  small  open  boats,  with  fifty  men, 
arrsed  only  with  muskets,  pistols,  boarding-axes,  and  cutlasses ! 
Be  assured,  sir,  that  Britons  have  either  learned  to  respect  the 
courage  of  Americans,  or  they  are  not  so  courageous  themselves 
as  they  would  wish  us  to  believe. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be  yours,  &c. 

D.  PORTER. 

The  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  at  Washington. 


U.  S.  FRIGATE  ESSEX,  AT  SEA, 

Pacific  Ocean,  July  2d,  1813.- 

SIR, 

On  the  23d  March  last,  I  sailed  from  shaping  my 

course  to  the  northward,  and  on  the  26th  of  the  same  month  feli 
in  with  the  Peruvian  corsair  ship  Nereyda,  mounting  15  guns. 
She  had,  a  few  days  before,  captured  two  American  whale  ships, 
the  crews  of  which  (amounting  in  number  to  twenty-four  men) 
were  then  detained  prisoners  on  board  her ;  and  they  could  assign 
no  other  motive  for  the  capture,  than  that  they  were  the  allies  o! 
Great  Britain,  and  as  such  should  capture  all  American  vessels 
they  could  fall  in  with ;  therefore,  to  prevent  in  future  such  vexa 
tious  proceedings,  I  threw  all  her  armament  into  the  sea,  liberated 
the  Americans,  and  dismissed  the  Nereyda.  I  then  proceeded 
with  all  possible  despatch  for  Lima,  to  intercept  one  of  the  detain 
ed  vessels,  which  had  parted  with  the  Nereyda  only  three  days 
before,  and  I  was  so  fortunate  as  to  arrive  there  and  re -capture 
her  on  the  5th  of  April,  at  the  moment  she  was  entering  the  port 
This  vessel  (the  ship  Barclay,  captain  Gideon  Randall,  of  New 
Bedford)  I  took  under  my  protection,  aad  ha\T£  had  her  with  me 
ever  gkice. 


177 

From  Lima  I  proceeded  to  the  Gallapagos  Islands,  where  I 
"captured  the  following  British  ships,  viz : 

Letters  of  Marque. 


Montezuma, 

270  tons, 

21  men, 

2  guns 

Policy, 

275 

26 

10 

Georgiana, 

280 

25 

6 

Atlantic, 

351 

24 

8 

Greenwich, 

338 

25 

10 

The  Georgiana  being  reputed  a  very  fast  sailer,  and  apparently 
well  calculated  for  a  cruiser,  I  mounted  16  guns  on  her,  and  gave 
the  command  of  her  to  that  excellent  officer,  lieutenant  John 
Downes,  with  a  complement  of  42  men ;  appointing  midshipman 
W.  H.  Hadaway  acting  lieutenant  on  board  ner,  and  sent  her  ou 
a  cruize.  Lieutenant  Downes  joined  me  at  Tumbez,  near  Guya- 
quil,  on  the  coast  of  Peru,  on  the  24th  June,  after  capturing  3 
prizes,  to  wit : 

Letters  of  Marque  ships. 

Hector,  270  tons,          25  men,  11  guns. 

Catharine,      270  29  8 

Rose,  220  21  8 

The  1st  had  two  men  killed  and  six  badly  wounded  in  hep 
rencontre  with  the  Georgiana  ;  and  the  Rose  was  discharged  (after 
being  deprived  of  her  armament)  with  all  the  prisoners  captured 
by  the  Georgiana,  as  they  amounted  to  nearly  double  her  crew; 
ih< 


she  was  furnished  with  a  passport  to  proceed  to  St.  Helena. 

My  own  prisoners  I  liberated  on  parole  at  Tumbez.  I  fonnd 
bv  experience  that  the  Georgiana  did  not  deserve  the  character 
given  of  her  sailing.  I  therefore  shipped  her  officers  and  crew  to 
the  Atlantic,  and  mounted  on  her  20  guns,  with  a  complement  of 
60  men,  and  appointed  midshipman  R.  Dashiell  acting  sailing 
master  on  board  of  her.  To  this  vessel  I  gave  the  name  of  the 
Essex  Junior.  I  also  fitted  up  the  ship  Greenwich,  as  a  store-ship, 
and  mounted  on  her  20  guns,  placing  her  under  the  command  ojf 
lieutenant  Gamble,  of  the  marines.  On  board  her  I  have  put  all  the 
provisions  and  stores  of  my  other  prizes,  except  a  supply  of  three 
and  a  half  months  for  each,  and  have  by  this  means  secured  my 
self  a  full  supply  of  every  necessary  article  for  seven  months.  I 
had  hoped  to  dispose  of  my  other  prizes  at  Guyaquil :  the  govern 
ors  in  Peru,  however,  are  excessively  alarmed  at  my  appearance 
on  the  coast,  as  my  fleet  amounts  now  to  nine  sail  of  vessels,  all 
formidable  in  their  appearance,  and  they  would,  if  they  dare,  treat 
us  with  hostility  little  short  of  declared  enemies. 

I  have  given  to  Mr.  John  G.  Cowell,  sailing  master,  an  appoint 
ment  to  act  3d  lieutenant;  midshipman  John  S.  Cowan  to  act  4th 
lieutenant,  and  midshipman  Odenheimer  as  sailing  master.  1  beg, 
sir,  that  the  appointment  of  those  officers,  as  well  as  of  lieutenant 
S.  D.M'Knight,  who  is  acting  second  lieutenant,  and  these,  serving 
23 


178 

on  board  the  Essex  Junior,  may  be  confirmed  by  the  department, 
I  have  given  to  Mr.  M.  W.  Bostwick,  my  clerk,  the  appointment 
of  acting  midshipman  ;  not  that  he  is  desirous  of  coming  forward 
in  the  navy  in  that  line,  but  I  hoped  by  this  means  to  introduce 
him  to  the  notice  of  the  department,  as  I  shall  take  the  liberty  to 
recommend  him  strongly  as  a  suitable  person  to  hold  the  appoint 
ment  of  purser.  Doctors  Richard  R.  Hoffman,  and  Alexander  M. 
Montgomery,  two  gentlemen  of  great  merit,  who  volunteered  their 
services  with  me  at  the  commencement  of  hostilities,  have  received 
acting  appointments  from  me,  the  first  as  surgeon  to  fill  the  vacancy 
occasioned  by  the  death  of  doctor  Miller;  the  other  as  surgeon's 
mate.  To  the  great  care  and  attention  of  those  gentlemen,  may, 
in  a  considerable  degree,  be  attributed  the  extraordinary  health  of 
the  crew;  and  as  they  are  both  desirous  of  joining  the  navy,  I 
hope  their  appointments  may  be  confirmed. 

I  have  also  appointed  my  marine  oflicer  and  chaplain  to  the 
command  of  prizes.  They  all  enter  with  cheerfulness  into  their 
new  duties  ;  and  if  the  expedition  should  not  prove  successful,  it 
will  not  be,  I  am  persuaded,  owing  to  our  want  of  activity  or 
vigilance ;  and  of  this  you  must  be  satisfied,  as  for  the  last  eight 
months  we  have  been  constantly  at  sea,  with  the  exception  of  23 
days,  and  yet,  sir,  we  have  enjoyed  extraordinary  health  and 
spirits ;  no  symptom  of  the  scurvy  having  yet  appeared  in  the 
ship,  nor  have  we,  at  this  moment,  more  than  two  on  the  sick  list; 
and  their  diseases  are  more  owing  to  the  infirmities  of  old  age 
than  any  other  cause  Indeed,  sir,  when  I  compare  my  present 
situation  with  what  it  was  when  I  doubled  Cape  Horn,  I  cannot 
but  esteem  myself  fortunate  in  an  extraordinary  degree.  There 
my  ship  was  shattered  by  tempestuous  weather,  and  destitute  of 
every  thing ;  my  officers  and  crew  half  starved,  naked  and  worn 
out  with  fatigue.  Now,  sir,  my  ship  is  in  prime  order,  abundantly 
supplied  with  every  thing  necessary  for  her.  I  have  a  noble  ship 
for  a  consort  of  20  guns,  and  well  manned  ;  a  store-ship  of  20  guns 
well  supplied  with  the  best  of  every  thing  we  may  want,  and 
prizes  which  would  be  worth  in  England  two  millions  of  dollars  ; 
and  what  renders  the  comparison  more  pleasing,  the  enemy  has 
furnished  all.  Excuse  me,  sir,  for  not  making  known  my  present 
intentions,  as  this  letter  may  not  reach  you.  It,  however,  may 
be  satisfactory  to  you  to  know  how  I  intend  to  dispose  of  my 
prizes  ;  let  it  suffice  to  say  that  I  shall  endeavor  to  [cypher.] 

British  letters  of  marque  are  numerous  in  these  seas,  and,  were 

it  not  for  my  arrival,  our  whale  fishers  would   have  been  much 

harrassed ;  but  they  now  find  it  necessary  to  keep  together  for 

mutual  protection.   I  expect  to  be  [cypher]  but  shall  be  [cypher.] 

vSubjoined  is  a  list  of  deaths  since  I  left  the  United  States,  and 

beg  you  will  relieve  the  anxiety  of  my  family,  and  all  our  friends, 

by  communicating  as  much  of  this  letter  as  you  may  think  proper. 

The  times  of  my  best  men  have  expired:  but  their  attachment. 

to  the  ship,  and  their  zeal  for  the  service  we  are  engaged  OH, 


179 

prevent  all  complaints  on  that  account.  It  is  not  probable  that 
you  will  hear  from  me  for  several  months  to  come,  unless  some 
disaster  happens  ;  but,  1  beg  leave  to  assure  you,  sir,  that  I  shall 
not  be  idle  ;  and  I  hope  before  my  return  to  make  the  services  of 
the  Essex  as  important  as  those  of  any  other  ship.  We  may  not 
be  individually  benefitted,  but  we  shall  do  the  enemy  much  injury, 
which  will  be  a  sufficient  compensation  to  us  for  all  the  hardships 
and  privations  we  must  naturally  experience,  while  cut  oft*  from 
all  communication  with  the  rest  of  the  world,  and  are  dependent 
en  the  precarious  supplies  the  enemy  may  afford. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  with  great  respect,  yours,  &c. 

D.  PORTER. 
Hon.  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  Washington. 

List  of  deaths  on  board  the  Esse.v  since  my  departure  from  the 
United  States. 

1812,  Decembers,  Levi  Holmes,  seaman,  palsy. 

.1813,  January  24,  Edward  Sweeny,  ordinary  seaman,  old  age. 

January  24,  Samuel  Groce,  seaman,  contusion  of  the  brain,  by  a  fall  from 
the  main  yard. 

March  1,  Lewis  Price,  marine,  consumption. 

April,  4,  James  Sh afford,  gunner's  mate,  accidental  gun  shot — wound  of 
the  lungs. 

May  25,  Dr.  Robert  Miller,  surgeon,  disease  of  the  liver. 

May  26,  Benjamin  Geers,  qr.  gr.  inflammation  of  the  stomach. 

June  29,  John  Rodgers,  qr.  gr.  fall  from  the  main  yard. 


WASHINGTON,  July  30th,  1813. 

SIR, 

I  consider  myself  bound  to  lay  before  you,  what  came  under 
my  knowledge,  while  on  board  the  Chesapeake,  as  well  as  on  board 
the  Shannon. 

After  the  enemy  had  completely  possession  of  the  ship,  midship 
men  Randolph  and  Flushman  were  ordered  from  the  fore  and 
main-top.  In  coming  down  the  shrouds,  lieutenant  Faulkner, 
(the  British  officer)  said  to  his  men,  kill  those  damned  rascals. 
Then,  and  immediately,  several  muskets  were  discharged  at  them, 
but  without  effect.  My  station  was  in  the  mi/.en-top,  where  I 
had  an  opportunity  of  seeing  their  actions.  I  was  looking  on  deck, 
when  I  saw  one  of  the  Chesapeake's  men  crawling  along,  at 
tempting  to  get  below,  with  one  of  his  legs  oft*.  One  of  the  enemy 
stepped  up  to  him  with  his  cutlass,  and  immediately  put  an  end  to 
his  existence. 

Lieutenant  Faulkner  looked  up  in  the  mizen-top ;  pointed  at 
me, — said  to  his  men,  go  up,  three  of  you,  and  throw  that  damned 
yankee  overboard.  They  immediately  rushed  up,  seizing  me  by 
the  collar ;  now,  said  they,  you  damned  yankee,  you  si*sll  swim 
for  it,  attempting  to  throw  me  overboard  ;  but  I  got  within  the 
rigging,  when,  one  of  them  kicked  me  in  the  breast,  which  was  the 


180 

cause  of  my  falling;  being  stunned  by  the  fall,  I  lay  some  time 
senseless,  and  when  I  came  to,  I  tv as  cut  over  the  head  with  a 
cutlass,  which  nearly  terminated  my  existence.  Eleven  of  our 
midshipmen  were  confined  in  a  small  place,  nine  feet  by  six,  with 
an  old  sail  to  lie  on,  and  a  guard  at  the  door,  until  a  day  or  two 
before  our  arrival  at  Halifax  ;  and  likewise  eleven  of  us  upon  five 
rations,  and  some  days  only  one  meal.  Our  clothes  were  taken 
on  board  of  the  Shannon ;  lieutenant  Wallis,  the  commanding 
officer  on  board,  would  not  let  us  take  our  clothes  below  with  us, 
but  pledged  his  word  and  honour  as  an  officer,  we  should  receive 
our  clothes.  But  we  discovered  next  morning  that  their  midship 
men  had  on  our  clothes  and  side-arms.  We  were  conversing  toge 
ther  respecting  our  clothes,  one  of  their  midshipmen  overheard 
our  conversation,  and  made  report  to  the  lieutenant  commanding. 
He  then  sent  word  to  us,  that  if  we  said  any  thing  more  about 
the  clothes,  he  would  put  us  in  the  forehold  with  the  men.  We  ex 
pected  to  receive  our  clothes  when  we  arrived  in  port ;  but  I 
assure  you,  sir,  nothing  was  ever  restored.  Other  rascally  things 
occurred,  which  our  officers  will,  when  they  return,  make  known  to 
the  public,  disgraceful  to  a  civilized  nation.  If  your  request  could 
have  been  made  sooner,  I  should  have  felt  gratified  in  making  a 
fuller  statement. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

WILLIAM  BERRY. 
Hon.  L.  Condit,  Washington. 


GEORGETOWN,  July  30th,  1813. 

SIR, 

Having  perused  a  letter  of  yours  to  Mr.  Berry,  requesting 
information  respecting  the  treatment  of  the  American  officers  and 
seamen  of  the  late  Chesapeake,  I  consider  myself  bound,  sir,  to 
lay  before  you  what  came  under  my  knowledge.  My  having  been 
wounded  and  remaining  on  board  the  Chesapeake  might  not  give 
me  that  scope  for  observation  which  others  possessed ;  but  I 
am  sorry  to  say,  many  things  transpired  disgracefal  to  a 
brave  enemy.  Whilst  undressing  myself  in  the  steerage,  after 
the  Americans  were  driven  below  or  had  surrendered,  and  after 
resistance  had  ceased,  I  believe  entirely,  several  muskets  arid  pis 
tols  were  at  once  pointed  down  the  hatchway,  and  discharged  in 
the  direction  of  the  cock-pit,  and  as  the  steerage  and  cock-pit 
were  tilled  with  wounded,  in  all  probability  some  of  them  were 
killed  outright. 

It  was  midshipman  Hopewell,  and  not  Livingston,  who  was  so 
inhumanly  treated,  as  described  in  the  public  prints.  It  has  been 
the  custom  in  our  navy,  to  take  the  side-arms  of  officers,  (prison 
ers)  but  to  return  them  on  leaving  the  ship.  Ours  were  taken, 
Avorn,  and  never  restored,  together  with  what  nautical  instru- 


181 

ments  they  could  lay  their  hands  on.  When  spoken  to  by  the~ 
American  officers  on  the  subject,  the  answer  was,  such  things 
were  free,  plunder.  A  day  or  two  after  the  action,  I  was  convers 
ing  with  lieutenants  Budd  and  Mr.  Nichols,  near  the  taffrail,  re 
specting  the  engagement,  when  it  was  observed  some  of  the  Shan 
non's  men  were  listening  to  our  conversation.  Immediately 
after,  lieutenant  Faulkner,  the  commanding  officer,  ordered  senti 
nels  to  be  placed  at  the  mizen-mast.  And  said  he  to  them,  if 
you  see  any  of  the  Chesapeake's  officers  abaft  the  mizen-mast, 
cut  them  down,  if  you  see  them  conversing  together  cut  them 
down  without  hesitation.  It  will  be  remembered  that  three  officers 
who  caused  this  order,  were  all  severally  wounded.  We  received 
no  caution,  and  overheard  it  by  accident.  So  great  was  the  rage 
for  plunder,  that  captain  Lawrence,  before  his  death,  could  not 
obtain  a  bottle  of  wine  from  his  private  stores,  without  a  note 
from  the  doctor  to  the  lieutenant  commanding.  I  pass  over  the 
robbing  of  the  midshipmen  on  board  the  Shannon,  as  it  did  not 
come  under  my  immediate  notice.  If  your  request  could  have 
been  made  earlier,  I  should  have  felt  gratified  in  making  a  fuller 
statement. 

Yours  respectfully, 

WM.  A.  WEAVER. 
The  Hon.  Lewis  Condit,  Washington. 


HEAD  QUARTERS,  SENECA  TOWNS, 

August  4th,  1813 ' 

SIR, 

In  my  letter  of  the  1st  instant,  I  did  myself  the  honour  to  in 
form  you  that  one  of  my  scouting  parties  had  just  returned 
from  the  lake  shore,  and  had  discovered  the  day  before,  the 
enemy  in  force  near  the  mouth  of  the  Sand u sky  bay.  The  party 
had  not  passed  Lower  Sandusky  two  hours  before  the  advance, 
consisting  of  Indians,  appeared  before  the  fort,  and  in  half  an 
hour  after  a  large  detachment  of  British  troops ;  and  in  the  course 
of  the  night  they  commenced  a  cannonading  against  the  fort  with 
three  six  pounders  and  two  howitzers.  The  latter  from  gun  boats. 
The  firing  was  partially  answered  by  major  Croghan,  having  a 
six  pounder,  the  only  piece  of  artillery. 

The  fire  of  the  enemy  was  continued  at  intervals  during  the 
second  instant,  until  about  half  after  five  P.  M.  when  finding  that 
their  cannon  made  little  impression  upon  the  works,  and  having 
discovered  my  position,  and  here  apprehending  an  attack,  an  at 
tempt  was  made  to  carry  the  place  by  storm.  Their  troops  were 
formed  in  two  columns,  lieutenant  colonel  Short  headed  the  princi 
pal  one  composed  of  the  light  battalion  companies  of  the  41st  regi 
ment.  This  gallant  officer  conducted  his  men  to  the  brink  of  the 
•ditch  under  the  most  galling  and  destructive  fire  from  the  garrison, 


182 

and  leaping  into  it,  was  followed  by  a  considerble  part  of  his  own 
arid  the  light  company ;  at  this  moment  a  masked  port  hole  was 
suddenly  opened,  and  a  six  pounder  with  an  half  load  of  powder, 
and  a  double  charge  of  leaden  slugs  at  the  distance  of  30  feet 
poured  destruction  upon  them,  and  killed  or  wounded  nearly 
every  man  who  had  entered  the  ditch.  In  vain  did  the  British 
officers  exert  themselves  to  lead  on  the  balance  of  the  column  ; 
it  retired  in  disorder  under  a  shower  of  shot  from  the  fort,  and 
sought  safety  in  the  adjoining  woods.  The  other  column,  headed 
by  the  grenadiers,  had  also  retired,  after  having  suffered  from  the 
muskets  of  our  men,  to  an  adjacent  ravine.  In  the  course  of  the 
night  the  enemy,  with  the  aid  of  their  Indians,  drew  oif  the  greater 
part  of  the  wounded  and  dead,  and  embarking  them  in  boats,  de 
scended  the  river  with  the  utmost  precipitation.  In  the  course  of 
the  2d  instant,  having  heard  the  cannonading,  I  made  several 
attempts  to  ascertain  the  force  and  situation  of  the  enemy.  Our 
scouts  were  unable  to  get  near  the  fort  from  the  Indians  that  sur 
rounded  it.  Finding,  however,  that  the  enemy  had  only  light 
artillery,  and  being  well  convinced  that  it  could  make  little  im 
pression  upon  the  works,  and  that  any  attempt  to  storm  it  would 
be  resisted  with  effect,  I  waited  for  the  arrival  of  250  mounted 
volunteers,  which  on  the  evening  before  had  left  Upper  Sandu sky. 
But  as  soon  as  I  was  informed  that  the  enemy  were  retreating,  I 
set  out  with  the  dragoons  to  endeavour  to  overtake  them,  leaving 
generals  M' Arthur  and  Cass  to  follow  with  all  the  infantry  (about 
700)  that  could  be  spared  from  the  protection  of  the  stores  and 
sick  at  this  place.  I  found  it  impossible  to  come  up  with  them. 
Upon  my  arrival  at  Sandusky,  I  was  informed  by  the  prisoners  that 
the  enemy's  forces  consisted  of  490  regular  troops  and  500  of  Dix- 
mvs  Indians,  commanded  by  general  Proctor  in  person,  and  that 
Tecumseh,  with  about  2000  warriors,  was  somewhere  in  the 
swamps  between  this  and  Fort  Meigs,  expecting  my  advance  or 
that  of  a  convoy  of  provisions.  As  there  was  no  prospect  of 
doing  any  thing  in  front,  and  being  apprehensive  that  Tecumseh 
might  destroy  the  stores  and  small  detachments  in  my  rear ;  I 
sent  orders  to  general  Cass,  who  commanded  the  reserve,  to  fall 
back  to  this  place,  and  to  general  M' Arthur,  with  the  front  line,  to 
follow  and  support  him. 

I  remained  at  Sandusky  until  the  parties  that  were  sent  out  in 
every  direction  returned ;  not  an  enemy  was  to  be  seen. 

I  am  sorry  that  I  cannot  transmit  you  major  Croghan's  official 
report. 

He  was  to  have  sent  it  to  me  this  morning.  But  I  have  just 
heard  that  he  was  so  much  exhausted  by  thirty-six  hours  of  con 
tinued  exertion  as  to  be  unable  to  make  it.  It  will  not  be  amongst 
the  least  of  general  Proctors  mortifications  to  find  that  he  has 
been  bafiletl  by  a  youth  who  has  just  passed  his  twenty-first  year. 
He  is  however  a  hero  worthy  of  his  gallant  uncle  (general  William 
Clark)  and  I  bless  my  good  fortune  in  having  first  introduced  this 


183 

promising  shoot  of  a  distinguished  family  to  the  notice  of  the: 
government. 

Captain  Hunter  of  the  17th  regiment,  the  second  in  command, 
conducted  himself  with  great  propriety,  and  never  were  a  set  of 
finer  young  fellows  than  the  subalterns,  viz:  lieutenants  Johnson 
and  Bailor  of  the  17th,  Anthony  of  the  24th,  Meeks  of  the  7th, 
and  ensigns  Ship  and  JDuncan  of  the  17th. 

The  following  account  of  the  unworthy  artifice  and  conduct  of 
the  enemy  will  excite  your  indignation.  Major  Chambers  was 
sent  by  general  Proctor,  accompanied  by  colonel  Elliott,  to  de 
mand  the  surrender  of  the  fort.  They  were  met  by  ensign  Ship. 
The  major  observed  that  general  Proctor  had  a  number  of  can 
non,  a  large  body  of  regular  troops,  and  so  many  Indians  whom  it 
was  impossible  to  control,  and  if  the  fort  was  taken  as  it  must  be, 
the  whole  of  the  garrison  would  be  massacred.  Mr.  Ship  an 
swered  that  it  was  the  determination  of  major  Cro«-han,  his  officers 
and  men,  to  defend  the  garrison  or  be  buried  in  it,  and  that  they 
might  do  their  best.  Colonel  Elliott  then  addressed  Mr.  Ship, 
and  said,  "  you  are  a  fine  young  man,  I  pity  your  situation,  for 
God's  sake  surrender  and  prevent  the  dreadful  slaughter  that 
must  follow  resistance."  Ship  turned  from  him  with  indignation 
and  was  immediately  taken  hold  of  by  an  Indian,  who  attempted 
to  wrest  his  sword  from  him.  Elliott  pretended  to  exert  himself 
to  release  him,  and  expressed  great  anxiety  to  get  him  safe  into 
the  fort. 

In  a  former  letter  I  informed  you,  sir,  that  the  post  of  Lower 
Sandusky  could  not  be  defended  against  heavy  cannon,  and  tliat 
I  had  ordered  the  commandant,  if  he  could  safely  retire  upon  the 
advance  of  the  enemy,  to  do  so  after  having  destroyed  the  fort,  as 
there  was  nothing  in  it  that  could  justify  the  risk  of  defending  it, 
commanded  as  it  is  by  a  hill  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river, 
•within  range  of  cannon,  and  having  on  that  side  old  and  illy  con 
structed  block  houses  and  dry  friable  pickets.  The  enemy  ascending 
the  bay  and  river  with  a  fine  breeze,  gave  major  Croghan  so  little 
notice  of  their  approach,  that  he  could  not  execute  the  order  for 
retreating.  Luckily  they  had  no  artillery  but  six  pounders  and 
five  and  a  half  inch  howitzers. 

General  Proctor  left  Maiden  with  the  determination  of  storming 
Fort  Meigs.  His  immense  body  of  troops  were  divided  into  three 
commands,  and  must  have  amounted  to  at  least  5000.  Dixon 
commanded  the  Mackanawand  other  northern  tribes;  Tecumseh 
those  of  the  Wabash,  Illinois  and  St.  Joseph  ;  and  Round  Head,  a 
Wyandot  chief,  the  warriors  of  his  own  nation  and  those  of  the 
Ottaways,  Chippeways,  and  Putawattamies  of  the  Michigan  terri 
tory.  Upon  seeing  the  formidable  preparations  to  receive  them 
at  Fort  Meigs,  the  idea  of  storming  was  abandoned,  and  the  plan 
adopted  of  decoying  the  garrison  out,  or  inducing  me  to  come  to 
its  relief  with  a  force  inadequate  to  repel  the  attack  of  his 
immense  hordes  of  savages.  Having  waited  several  days  for 


184 

the  latter,  and  practising  ineffectually  several  stratagems  to 
accomplish  the  former,  provisions  began  to  be  scarce  and  the 
Indians  to  be  dissatisfied.  The  attack  upon  Sandusky  was  the 
dernier  resort.  The  greater  part  of  the  Indians  refused  to  accom- 
panv  him  and  returned  to  the  river  Raisin.  Tecumseh,  with  his 
command,  remained  in  the  neighbourhood  of  fort  Meigs  sending 
parties  to  all  the  posts  upon  Hull's  road  and  those  upon  the  Auglaize 
to  search  for  cattle.  Five  hundred  of  the  northern  Indians  under 
Dixon  attended  Proctor.  I  have  sent  a  party  to  the  lake  to  as 
certain  the  direction  that  the  enemy  have  taken.  The  scouts 
•which  have  returned  saw  no  signs  of  Indians  later  than  those  made 
in  the  night  of  the  2d  instant,  and  a  party  has  just  arrived  from 
Fort  Meigs  who  make  the  same  report.  I  think  it  probable  that 
they  have  all  gone  off.  If  so,  this  mighty  armament,  from  which 
so  much  was  expected  by  the  enemy,  will  return  covered  with 
disgrace  and  mortification.  As  captain  Perry  was  nearly  ready 
to  sail  from  Erie  when  I  last  heard  from  him,  I  hope  that  the 
period  will  soon  arrive  when  we  shall  transfer  the  labouring  oar 
to  the  enemy,  and  oblige  him  to  encounter  some  of  the  labours  and 
difficulties  which  we  have  undergone  in  waging  a  defensive  war 
fare,  and  protecting  our  extensive  frontier  against  a  superior  force. 
I  have  the  honour  to  enclose  you  a  copy  of  the  first  note  received 
from  major  Croghan.  It  was  written  before  day,  and  it  has  since 
been  ascertained  that  of  the  enemy  there  remained  in  the  ditch 
one  lieutenant  colonel  (by  brevet),  one  lieutenant  and  twenty-five 
privates,  fourteen  of  them  badly  wounded.  Every  care  has  been 
taken  of  the  latter  and  the  officers  buried  with  the  honours  due  to 
their  rank  and  their  bravery.  All  the  dead  that  were  not  in  the 
ditch  were  taken  off  in  the  night  by  the  Indians.  It  is  impossible, 
from  the  circumstances  of  the  attack,  that  they  should  have  lost 
less  than  one  hundred.  Some  of  the  prisoners  think  that  it 
amounted  to  two  hundred.  A  young  gentleman,  a  private  in  the 
Petersburg  volunteers  of  the  name  of  Brown,  assisted  by  five  or 
six  of  that  company,  and  of  the  Pittsburg  blues,  who  were  acci 
dentally  in  the  fort,  managed  the  six  pounder  which  produced 
such  destruction  in  the  ranks  of  the  enemy. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 
WILLIAM  HENRY  HARRISON. 
The  Secretary  of  War. 

N.  B.    Of  our  few  wounded  men  there  is  but  one  that  wilt 
not  be  well  in  less  than  six  days. 


LOWER  SANDUSKY,  August  5th,  1813. 

DEAR  SIR, 

1  have  the  honour  to  inform  you  that  the  combined  force  of 
the  enemy,  amounting  to  at  least  500  regulars  and  seven  or  eight 
hundred  Indians,  under  the  immediate  command  of  general  Proctor 


made  its  appearance  before  this  piace,  early  on  Sunday  evenino* 
last,  and  so  soon  as  the  general  had  made  such  disposition  of  hi! 
troops,  as  would  cut  oft'  my  retreat,  should  I  be  disposed  to  make 
one,  he  sent  colonel  Elliott,  accompanied  by  major  Chambers, 
with  a  flag  to  demand  the  surrender  of  the  fort,  as  he  was  anxious 
to  spare  the  effusion  of  blood,  which  he  should  probably  not  have 
in  his  pouer  to  do,  should  he  be  reduced  to  the  necessity  of 
taking  the  place  by  storm.  My  answer  to  the  summons  was,  that 
I  was  determined  to  defend  the  place  to  the  last  extremity,  arid 
that  no  force,  however  large,  should  induce  me  to  surrender  it. 
So  soon  as  the  flag  had  returned,  a  brisk  tire  was  opened  upon 
us  from  the  gun  boats  in  the  river,  and  from  a  5\  inch  howitzer  on 
shore,  which  was  kept  up  with  little  intermission  through  the 
night.  At  an  early  hour  the  next  morning,  three  si.ves  (which  had 
been  placed  during  the  night  within  250  yards  of  the  pickets) 
began  to  play  upon  us,  but  with  little  effect.  About  4  o'clock  P. 
M.  discovering  that  the  lire  from  all  his  <runs  was  concentrated 
against  the  north-western  angle  of  the  fort,  I  became  ron'ident 
that  his  object  was  to  make  a  breach,  and  attempt  to  storm  the 
works  at  that  point.  I  therefore  ordered  out  as  many  men  as  could 
be  employed  for  the  purpose  of  strengthening  that  front,  which  was 
so  effectually  secured  by  means  of  bags  of  flour,  sand,  &c. 
that  the  picketing  suffered  little  or  no  injury.  Notwithstanding 
which,  the  enemy,  about  5  o'clock,  having' formed  in  close  column, 
advancing  to  assail  our  works  at  the  expected  point,  at  the  same 
time  making  two  feints  at  the  front  of  captain  Hunter's  lines,  the 
column  which  advanced  against  the  north-western  angle,  consisting 
of  about  350  men,  was  so  completely  enveloped  in  smoke,  as  not  to 
be  discovered  until  it  had  approached  within  fifteen  or  twenty 
paces  of  the  lines ;  but  the  men  being  all  at  their  posts  and  ready  to 
receive  it,  commenced  so  heavy  and  galling  a  fire,  as  to  throw  the 
col  Minn  a  little  into  confusion.  Being  quickly  rallied,  it  advanced  to 
the  outer  works  and  began  to  leap  into  the  ditch.  Just  at  that  mo 
ment  a  lire  of  grape  was  opened  from  our  six  pounder,  (which 
had  been  previously  arranged  so  as  to  rake  in  that  direction) 
which,  together  with  the  musketry,  threw  them  into  such  confu 
sion,  that  they  were  compelled  to  retire  precipitately  to  the 
woods.  During  the  assault,  which  lasted  about  half  an  hour,  an  in 
cessant  fire  was  kept  up  by  the  enemy's  artillery  (which  consisted 
of  five  sixes  and  a  howitzer)  but  without  effect.  My  whole  loss 
during  the  siege,  was  one  killed  and  seven  wounded  slightly.  The 
loss  of  the  enemy  in  killed,  wounded,  and  prisoners,  must  exceed 
one  hundred  and  fifty ;  one  lieutenant  colonel,  a  lieutenant  and  fifty 
rank  and  file,  were  found  in  and  about  the  ditch ;  those  of  the  re'- 
mainder,  who  were  not  able  to  escape,  were  taken  off  during  the 
night  by  the  Indians.  Seventy  stand  of  arms  and  several  brace  of 
pistols  have  been  collected  near  the  works.  About  three  in  the 
morning  the  enemy  sailed  down  the  river,  leaving  behind  them  a 
boat,  containing  clothing  and  considerable  military  stores.  Too 

24 


flAUch  praise  cannot  be  bestowed  on  the  officers,  non-commission 
ed  officers,  and  privates  under  my  command  for  their  gallantry 
and  good  conduct  during  the  siege. 

Yours,  with  respect, 

G.  CROGHAN. 

Major  17 th  U,  8.  Infantry  comdg.  L.  8. 
Major  Gen.  Harrison,  commanding  N.  W.  army. 


Correspondence  between  the  Secretary  of  War  and  major  general  Wilkinson. 

Submitted  to  the  President  by  the  Secretary  of  War,  on  thi» 
23d  July,  and  communicated  to  general  Wilkinson  on  the  5th  of 
August,"  181 3, 

The  time  at  which  we  have  reason  to  expect  an  ascendency  on 
lake  Ontano  has  arrived.  If  our  hopes  on  that  head  be  fulfilled, 
though  but  for  a  short  period,  we  must  avail  ourselves  of  the  cir 
cumstance,  to  give  to  the  campaign  a  new  and  increased  activity. 

For  this  purpose  our  forces  on  the  Ontario  should  be  concen 
trated,  because  neither  section  of  them,  as  they  are  now  divided, 
is  competent  to  any  great  object. 

The  point  of  concentration  is  more  doubtful : 
1st.  If  at  Fort  George,  our  utmost  success  can  but  give  us  the 
command  of  the  peninsula,  which,  if  general  Harrison  succeeds 
against  Maiden,  will  be  of  diminished  interest,  both  to  us  and 
to  the  enemy:  tons,  because  Maiden  will  more  completely 
cover  our  western  frontier  and  control  the  savages  than  Forts 
George  and  Erie :  to  the  enemy,  because  Maiden  lost,  our 
inroad  upon  the  peninsula,  will  but  have  the  effect  of  shortening, 
not  of  dividing,  the  enemy's  line  of  operations ;  in  a  word, 
success  at  this^point  will  not  give  to  the  campaign  a  character 
of  decisive  advantage. 

2d«  If,  on  the  other  hand,  we  make  Sackett's  Harbor  the  point  of 
concentration,  Kingston  may  become  the  object  of  our  attack, 
which,  by  the  way,  will  but  be  returning  to  the  original  plan  of 
campaign,  prescribed  to  general  Dearborn.  This  place  is  of 
much  importance  to  the  enemy,  and  will  no  doubt  be  defended 
by  him  with  great  obstinacy,  and  with  all  the  resources  which 
can  be  safely  drawn  from  other  points.  That  it  may  be  taken 
by  a  joint  application  of  our  naval  and  military  means,  is  not 
however  to  be  questioned.  The  enclosed  diagram  will  show  the 
number  and  character  of  the  enemy's  defences.  His  batteries 
on  No.  1  cannot  be  sustained  but  by  his  fleet.  These  car 
ried,  he  is  open  to  a  descent  at  Nos.  2  and  3.  If  he  divides 
his  force  between  both,  we  oppose  one  half  of  his  strength  witli 
the  whole  of  ours.  If  he  concentrates  at  No.  2,  we  seize 
No,  3,  and  command  both  the  town  and  the  shipping.  If 


187 

he  concentrates  at  No.  3,  we  occupy  No.  &,  and  with  nearly 
the  same  results. 

Contemporary  with  this  movement,  another  may  be  made  on  the 
side  of  lake  Champlain,  indicating  an  intention  of  attacking 
Montreal  and  its  dependencies,  and  really  attacking  them,  if 
to  save  Kingston,  these  posts  have  been  materially  weakened. 
3d.    Another  and  different  operation,  to  which  our  meaiis  are 
competent,  would  be  a  movement  from  Sackett's  Harbor  to  Ma 
drid  on  the  St.  Lawrence.     At  this  place  the  river  may  be  most 
easily  crossed*     The  ground  opposite  to  it  is  a  narrow  bluff, 
skirted  by  the  river  on  one  side,  and  a  swamp  of  great  extent 
and  of  difficult,  passage  on  the  other.    This  gained  and  fortified, 
our  fleet  continuing  to  command  the  water  line  from  the  head 
of  the  river  to  Ogdensburg,  and  lake  St.  Francis  occupied  with 
a  few  gun  boats  and  barges,  the  army  may  march  against  Mon 
treal,  in  concert  with   general   Hampton.     The  only  natural 
difficulty  to  the  execution  of  this  plan,  would  be  presented  by 
a  branch  of  the  Grand  river  which  must  be  crossed;  but  at  this 
season,  though  deep,  it  is  believed  to  be  fordable. 
Under  the  preceding  supposition  it  is  respectfully  submitted, 
Whether  it  will  not  be  most  advisable  to  make  Sackett's  Harbor 
the  point  of  concentration,  and  leave  to  the  commanding  general 
an  election  (to  be  determined  by  circumstances)  between  the  two 
plans  suggested  under  the '3d  and  3d  heads. 

JOHN  ARMSTRONG. 

Approved  and  adopted,  July  23d,  1813. 


WASHINGTON,  August  6th,  1813. 
SIR, 

I  have  examined  the  projects  of  the  campaign,  intended  for 
the  past  and  ensuing  stages  of  it,  on  the  side,  of  Canada,  which 
you  put  into  my  hands  yesterday.  The  novelty  of  the  subject  to 
me,  and  the  pressure  of  time,  will  prevent  the  deliberate  conside 
ration  of  it  which  its  importance  merits ;  and  therefore  I  shall 
confine  myself  to  a  few  brief  observations  touching  the  project  of 
the  23d  ultimo. 

1st.  If  we  command  lake  Ontario  (without  which  the  project  is 
impracticable),  and  our  force  be  competent  to  carry  Kingston,  the 
incorporation  of  our  troops  should  take  place  at  Sackett's  Harbor* 
and  the  attack  be  made  as  promptly  as  possible. 

2d.  Oil  the  contrary,  should  our  combined  disposable  force  be 
deemed  incompetent  to  the  certain  and  speedy  reduction  of  Kings 
ton,  then  it  may  be  preferable  to  strengthen  our  force  at  Fort 
St.  George,  cut  up  the  British  force  in  that  quarter,  destroy  the 
Indian  establishments,  and  (should  general  HarrigQU  fail  ia  ki» 
objects)  march  a  detach.ment  to  capture  jN 


131 


While  these  operations  are  pending;,  a  bold  feint  or  provisional 
attack  on  Montreal,  by  major  general  Hampton,  will  certainly  call 
sir  George  Provost  to  that  place,  and  it  is  presumable,  that  seeing 
our  movements  directed  towards  Erie,  he  may  carry  his  best  troops 
with  him  from  Kingston. 

These  suggestions  spring  from  my  desire  to  hazard  as  little  as 
possible  in  the  outset,  and  to  secure  infallibly  whatever  may  be 
attempted,  with  the  intention  to  increase  our  own  confidence,  to 
diminish  that  of  the  enemy,  and  to  popularise  the  war. 

After  our  operations  on  the  peninsula  have  been  closed,  we 
may  raze  the  works  there  under  your  provisions,  leave  our  settle 
ments  on  the  strait  in  tranquillity,  and  like  lightning  must  direct 
our  whole  force  against  Kingston  ;  and  having  reduced  that  place, 
and  captured  the  shipping,  we  may  descend  the  stream,  and  form 
a  junction  with  the  column  of  general  Hampton  in  the  neighbour 
hood  of  Montreal,  should  the  lateness  of  the  season  permit,  by 
which  all  our  movements,  after  the  conquest  of  Upper  Canada > 
must  be  governed. 

To  give  general  Hampton's  movements  a  menacing  aspect,  and 
to  enable  him  to  profit  by  events,  lie  should  take  with  him  a  heavy 
train  of  battering  cannon  and  mortar  pieces,  which  will  be  found 
indespensable  in  the  attack  of  Montreal;  and  to  weaken  that 
place,  and  to  favour  a  protracted  season,  I  would  advise  that  a 
heavy  column  of  militia  or  volunteers,  if  engaged  for  three  months 
only,  should  be  put  in  motion  from  the  vicinity  of  lake  Memphra- 
ma-.og,  t->  descend  fhe  river  St  Francis,  and  take  post  on  the  right 
bank  of  lake  St.  Petre,  with  a  battering  train  of  travelling  carriages, 
organized  and  equipt,  either  to  keep  post  or  retire,  when  the 
Season  or  other  circumstances  should  render  expedient. 

Before  I  close  this  letter,  I  will  beg  leave  to  call  your  attention 
to  several  specific  points,  on  which  I  require  information  and 
authority,  which  I  deem  essential  to  the  salutary  discharge  of  the 
high  and  solemn  trust  about  to  devolve  upon  me. 

1st.  A  copy  of  the  instructions  to  major  general  Hampton,  for 
my  government  in  the  correspondence  to  ensue  between  us. 

2d.  Shall  I  be  allowed  a  private  secretary,  which  is  necessary, 
and  of  right  belongs  to  the  command  on  which  1  am  about  to  en 
ter? 

3d.  I  require  permission  to  take  for  my  aids-de-camp  such 
officers  as  are  best  fitted  to  discharge  the  important  duties  of  the 
station. 

4th.  I  ask  authority  (or  is  it  understood  that  I  possess  it  ?)  to  sup 
ply  every  defect  of  the  munitions  of  war,  and  transport  by  land  Oi 
water  by  means  of  the  authorized  agents. 

5th.  I  entreat  that  ample  funds  may  be  deposited  in  prope> 
hands,  to  give  effect  to  the  department  of  intelligence,  without 
which,  the  chief  will  find  himself  hood -winked. 

6th.  I  trust  no  order,  of  whatever  nature,  will  be  passed  to  any 
officer  under  my  command,  but  through  my  hands.  This  is  not 


189 

•uly  necessary  to  the  regular  conduct  of  the  public  service,  but 
it  is  vitally  essential  to  the  preservation  of  sound  subordination, 
and  is  conformable  to  the  rules  of  service  in  all  armies,  in  as  much 
as  he  who  is  responsible  for  all,  should  have  the  controul  of  all. 

7th.  I  hope  I  may  be  expressly  authorized  to  detach  from  my 
command,  all  persons  who  may  manifest  a  temper  or  disposition 
to  excite  discontents,  to  generate  factions,  or  embitter  the  service. 
This  is  indispensable  to  put  down  seditious  spirits,  and  to  har 
monize  the  corps. 

8th  Should  we  move  against  Kingston  in  the  first  instance,  the 
withdraw ul  of  our  force  from  Fort  George  will  enable  the  enemy 
to  re-occupy  that  poini,  and  for  a  brief  period  to  harrass  our  fron 
tier  on  that  strait.  May  not  the  militia,  or  a  body  of  volunteers, 
be  called  forth  to  relieve  the  regular  troops  at  that  place,  and 
prevent  discontents  -md  complaints? 

9th.  For  the  maintenance  of  the  necessary  authority  of  the  chief, 
it  is  hoped  the  secretary  of  v  ar  vvlll  decline  and  forbid  all  corres 
pondence  with  his  subordinate  ofdcers,  except  in  cases  of  personal 
grievance. 

10th.  I  beg  to  be  advised  of  the  menus  of  communication  be 
tween  our  military  position,  and  particularly  from  Sackett's 
Harbor  to  Burlington,  which  should  be  rapid  and  infallible. 

llth.  I  ask  authority  to  equip  the  whole  of  our  horse  artillery, 
and  to  mount  tho  u,  ole  of  our  dragoons,  because  these  arms  will 
be  found  all-important  In  ever y  cm. bat  which  may  ensue. 

A  serious  impression  of  tiui  dread  responsibility  which  awaits 
me,  and  a  correct  sevsse  of  tv»  public  expectation  which  accompa 
nies  me,  must  be  my  aj  oLvjjy  iut  i/iving  you  so  much  trouble. 
With  great  respect,  dec.  your  cbedient  servant, 

JAMES  WILKINSON. 
Honourable  John  Armstrong, 

Secretary  of  War. 


WAR  DEPARTMENT,  August  8th,  1813. 
SIR, 

I  have  given  to  your  observations  of  the  6th  instant  all  the 
consideration  thev  so  justly  merit. 

The  main  objection  to  any  plars,  which  shall  carry  our  operations 
wide  of  Kingston  and  westward  of  it,  is,  il-.tt  in  1he  event  of  its 
success,  it  leaves  the  strength  of  the  enemy  unbroken ;  it  but 
wounds  the  tail  of  the  lion,  ;trul  of  course,  t«  not  calculated  to 
hasten  the  termination  of  the  war,  either  by  encreasiiig  our  own 
vigour,  or  by  diminishing  that  of  the  enemy.  Kingston  is  the 

freat  depot  of  his  resources,  and  so  long  as  he  retains  this  .\id 
eeps  open  his  communication  \vitL  the  sea,  he  will  not  v.a;it  the 
means  of  multiplying  his  naval  arid  other  defences,  and  of  rein 
forcing  or  renewing  the  war  in  the  west.     Kingston,  therefore,  as 


190 

\vell  on  grounds  of  policy  as  of  military  principle,  presents  the 
first  and  great  object  of  the  campaign. 

There  are  two  ways  of  approaching  this  :  by  direct,  w:  indirect* 
attack :  by  breaking  down  the  enemy's  battalions  and  ibrcinjr  his 
vkorks;  or  by  seizing  and  obstructing  the  line  of  his  communica 
tion,  and  thus  drying  up  the  sources  by  which  he  is  nourished  and 
maintained.  Circumstances  must  govern  in  choosing  between 
these  different  modes.  Were  our  assembled  land  and  naval 
forces  competent  to  the  object,  a  direct  attack  would  no  doubt  be 
the  shorter  and  better  way  ;  but  if,  on  the  contrary,  our  strength 
be  inferior,  or  hardly  equal  to  that  of  the  enemy,  the  indirect 
attack  must  be  preferred.  These  considerations  have  suggested 
the  third  plan,  to  be  found  in  my  note  of  the  23d  ultimo.  To  give 
execution  to  this,  1  would  collect  my  force  at  the  head  of  the 
St.  Lawrence,  make  every  demonstration  of  attacking  Kingston, 
proceed  rapidly  down  the  river,  seize  the  northern  bank  at  the 
village  of  Hamilton,  leave  a  corps  to  fortify  and  to  hold  it,  inarch 
upon  Montreal  with  the  main  body,  effect  there  a  junction  with 
Hampton,  and  take  a  position  which  shall  enable  you  to  secure 
what  you  gain.  On  this  plan  the  navy  would  perform  its  part  by 
occupying  the  mouth  of  the  river,  and  preventing  a  pursuit  by 
water ;  by  clearing  the  river  of  the  armed  boats  of  the  enemy  ; 
by  holding,  with  its  own,  the  passage  at  Hamilton,  and  by  giving 
support  to  that  position.  If  the  enemy  pursues,  it  must  be  l>y 
land,  without  subsistence,  (excepting  what  he  carries  on  his  back) 
and  without  artillery.  If  he  remains  stationary,  his  situation 
must  soon  become  even  more  serious,  as  the  country  in  which  he 
is  cannot  long  subsist  him.  It  will  then  but  remain  for  him  to 
fight  his  way  to  Quebec,»to  perish  in  the  attempt,  or  to  lay  down 
his  arms.  After  this  exposition,  it  is  unnecessary  to  add,  that 
in  conducting  the  present  campaign,  you  will  make  Kingston 
your  primary  object,  and  that  you  will  choose  (as  circumstances 
may  warrant)  between  a  direct  and  indirect  attack  upon  that  post. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

JOHN  ARMSTRONG. 
Maj.  Gen.  TVilkinson,  comnd'g  district  No.  9. 

AVAR  DEPARTMENT,  August  9th,  1813. 

SIR, 

In  answer  to  that  part  of  your  letter  of  the  6th  instant,  which 
calls  for  information,  &c.  oi/certain  enumerated  points,  I  have 
the  honour  to  state  : 

1st.  That  general  Hampton's  instructions  go  only  to  assemble 
and  organize  his  division  at  Burlington.  It  is  intended  that  he 
shall  operate  cotemporarily  with  you,  and  tinder  your  orders, 
in  prosecution  of  the  plan  "of  campaign  which  has  been  given  t<> 
you. 


191 

£d.  The  senior  major  general  commanding  the  principal  army  is 
entitled  to  the  services  of  a  private  secretary. 

3d.  The  ordnance  and  other  departments  of  supply  within  the 
district  (No.  9.)  are  subject  of  course  to  your  orders. 

4th.  The  quarter  master  general  of  the  army  will  supply  the 
funds  for  secret  service. 

5th.  All  orders  to  subordinate  officers  pass  from  the  war  de 
partment  to  the  adjutant  general ;  to  be  communicated  by  him 
to  the  general  commanding  the  district  in  which  such  subordi 
nate  officer  may  serve. 

6th.  No  specific  permission  is  necessary  for  removing  factious 
or  disorderly  men.  All  such  will  properly  become  subjects  of 
the  confidential  reports  to  be  made  by  inspectors.  To  detach 
such  men  from  one  district  to  another,  is  only  shifting  the  evil ; 
the  better  way  is  to  report  them  for  dismission. 

7th.  If  the  corps  at  fort  George  be  recalled,  the  works  should 
be  razed  or  occupied  by  a  force  competent  to  hold  it  against  an 
assault.  There  is  a  corps  of  militia  and  volunteers  (to  whom 
the  Six  Nation  Indians  have  associated  themselves)  at  Black 
Rock,  which  may  be  kept  in  service.  They  are  commanded  by 
general  Porter  and  Mr.  Parrish. 

8th.  The  secretary  of  war  will  decline  and  forbid  all  improper 
communications,  and  particularly  such  as  may  bear  any  colour 
of  insubordination. 

9th.  Besides  the  ordinary  mode  of  communication  by  mail,  ex 
presses  may  be  employed  in  extraordinary  cases. 

10th.  The  dragoons  and  light  artillery  corps  shall  be  made  effi 
cient.  Horses  may  be  bought  for  both.  An  officer  from  each 
corps  should  be  directed  to  superintend  the  purchases.  Price 
(average)  not  to  exceed  120  dollars. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

JOHN  ARMSTRONG. 

Maj.  Gen.  Wilkinson,  comdg.  the  N.  Army. 


SACKETT'S  HARBOR,  August  21st,  181,1. 

SIR, 

I  arrived  here  yesterday:  my  machinery  is  in  motion,  and 
I  have  strong  hopes  of  giving  the  change  to  sir  George  which  will 
lead  directly  to  the  object  of  first  importance. 

Commodore  Chauncey  is  in  port  here,  and  his  antagonist,  sir 
James  Yeo,  at  Kingston.  In  the  late  interviews  between  these 
naval  commanders,  the  first  has  zealously  sought  a  combat,  which 
the  latter  has  cautiously  avoided ;  the  superiority  on  the  lake 
therefore  remains  still  to  be  settled;  but  I  have  Chauncey 's  assu 
rance  for  it,  and  place  much  confidence  in  his  word;  it  is  obvious 
ly  sir  James's  plan  to  decline  a  conflict;  but  en  what  ground! 
cannot  determine. 


192 

Our  schooner  here  will  be  equipt  and  manned  by  Wednesday, 
and  I  shall  sail  with  the  squadron  for  fort  George  probably  the  day 
after;  I  am  endeavoring  to  draw  sir  George  at  iei  me;  but  whether 
I  succeed  in  this  attempt  or  not,  should  our  men  and  means  an 
swer  report,  and  Heaven  favour  me,  I  will  be  in  possession  of 
Kingston,  or  below  that  place,  on  the  i'ibth  proximo. 

Major  general  Hampton  must  not  budge  until  every  thing  is 
matured  in  this  quarter,  and  we  have  either  got  possession  of 
Kingston  or  have  cut  its  communication  with  Montreal,  of  which 
I  shall  give  him  seasonable  advice,  A  ia  Plattsburg,  where  I  shall 
calculate  on  his  arrival  tl/e  20th  of  the  ensuing  month,  completely 
equipt  for  a  forward  movement.  If  he  changes  bis  position  taid 
shows  his  column  west  of  the  lake  sooner,  it  maj  cany  sir  George 
to  Montreal  and  produce  precautions  which  might  otherwise  be 
neglected  until  too  late  for  any  salutary  effect. 

The  militia  called  forth  bv  governor  Tompkins,  of  which  by  the 
bye  you  gave  me  no  information,  should  not  be  arrayed  before  he 
hears  from  me  at  fort  George,  because  the  assembly  of  such  a 
body  would  increase  the  alarm,  and  put  all  Canada  in  counter- 
motion,  while  incidents  beyond  the  confront  of  man  may  inter 
vene  to  procrastinate  my  movements  and  thus  bafiie  the  effects  of 
the  proposed  co-operation  on  the  side  of  Vermont:  should  a 
corps  of  militia  be  drawn  from  thence,  no  movement  should  be 
made  by  them,  until  general  Hampton  has  crossed  Champlain. 

It  would  be  highly  interesting  to  the  public  service  and  ex 
tremely  acceptable  to  me  to  see  you  at  Niagara,  from  \vhence, 
should  I  find  it  practicable,  it  is  my  intention  to  commence  my 
movement  down  the  lake,  about  the  15th  of  the  next  month;  the 
best  possible  disposition  for  the  safety  of  that  frontier,  and  for  the 
security  of  the  vast  mass  of  ordnance  and  stores  which  I  must 
leave  there,  may  render  your  advice  and  authority  indispensably 
necessary  to  avert  clamors  and  prevent  any  obstruction  to  my 
prompt  movement. 

I  am,  sir,  your  obedient  servant,  &c. 

JAMES  WILKINSON. 
I  [am  John  Armstrong1,  Secretary  of 'War. 


SACKETT'S  HARBOR,  August  26th,  1813. 
, 

Chauncey  will  go  out,  he  says,  to-morrow  or  next  day  to  seek 
sir  James.  I  see  the  necessity  of  settling  the  point  of  naval  su 
periority  before  we  commit  ourselves,  and  therefore,  the  decision 
cannot  be  had  too  soon.  In  the  mean  time  the  essential  arrange 
ments  progress,  and  if  the  means  can  be  mustered,  they  will 
ensure  the  end. 

I   fear  Yeo  will  avoid  a  contest  to  spin  out   the  campaign,  and 
gain  time  for  reinforcements,   and  the  organization  of  militia; 


lit 

but  if  he  will  not  come  out,  we  must  blockade  him.  I  £o  to  Niagai# 
the  moment  our  arrangements  are  matured  here.  Sir  George  ha* 
actually  gone  for  the  head  of  the  lake  with  a  reinforcement.  To 
prevent  his  playing  tricks  with  Boyd,  I  have  sent  him  (Boyd)  the 
note  of  which  you  have  a  copy* 

On  Saturday  21st,  One  hundred  and  sixty  regular  troops  as"- 
eended  by  Ogdensburg  to  Kingston,  and  on  the  23d  and  24th, 
they  were  followed  by  five  hundred  Highlanders  in  their  kilts,  who 
conducted  up  one  hundred  boats.  Thus  we  see  that  this  quarter 
attracts  chief  attention.  All  my  efforts  will  be  made  to  induce  sip 
George  to  draw  after  him  a  chief  part  of  the  garrison  of  Kings 
ton,  which  must  now  be  near  five  thousand  strong.  The  situation 
of  Proctor  and  the  irruption  of  our  Indians  have  gone  far  to  excite 
these  dispositions.  Meet  me  at  Niagara^  if  possible,  and  for 
God's  sake  press  on  the  recruits  from  Albany  and  the  southward, 
and  send  me  Wadsworth,  Swift,  Fenwick,  and  IzarcL  All 
things  go  well  here,  and  thank  God,  the  men  are  recovering  ra 
pidly.  I  hear  not  a  word  from  Hampton.  I  hope  he  does  not 
mean  to  take  the  stud ;  but  if  so,  we  can  do  without  him,  and  he 
should  be  sent  home* 

Truly  yours, 

JAMES  WILKINSON. 
Secretary  of  War. 

WAR  DEPARTMENT,  SACKETT'S  HARBOR, 

September  6th,  1813. 

DEAR  GENERAL, 

I  arrived  here  yesterday.  Nothing  new,  excepting  that 
Prevost  has  returned  to  Kingston.  General  Hampton  will  go 
through  the  campaign  cordially  and  vigorously,  but  will  resign  at 
the  end  of  it.  He  will  be  ready  to  move  by  the  20th,  with  an  ef 
fective  regular  force  of  4000,  and  a  militia  detachment  of  1500* 
On  the  supposition  that  sir  George  had  decidedly  taken  his  part* 
and  had  cliosen  the  peninsula  as  his  camp  de  battaile,  I  had  or- 
dered  Hampton  to  move  immediately  against  the  Isle  Aux  Noix* 
Two  thousand  militia  will  be  promptly  assembled  at  Champion* 
twenty -four  miles  from  this  place,  and  on  the  route  to  the  St« 
Lawrence;  The  place  was  selected,  as  offering  two  objects,  and 
of  course  leaving  his  knightship  to  gue«*s.  To  have  pushed  then! 
directly  to  Ogdensburg,  would  not  have  had  that  advantage.  A 
larger  draft  would  have  been  difficult.  Another  view  of  the  sub 
ject  is,  that  this  part  of  the  plan  cannot  be  confided  to  militiat 
exclusively  ;  they  must  be  propped  by  a  regular  corps,  otherwise 
the  back  door  may  not  be  sufficiently  closed  and  barred. 

The  battle  on  the  lake  !  Shall  we  have  one  ?  If  Yeo  fights  and 
is  beaten,  all  will  be  well.  If  he  does  not  fight,  the  result  may 
klso  be  favourable. 

Tours  cordially, 

JOHN  A 
$<-neral  Wilkinson, 


194 

HEAD  QUARTERS,  UPPER  9AKDUSKY, 

August  6th,  1813, 

BEAR  SIR, 

Your  excellency's  of  the  4th  instant,  was  delivered  to  me 
yesterday  morning,  by  colonel  Brush.  The  exertions  which  ;you 
nave  made,  and  the  promptitude  with  which  your  orders  have 
been  obeyed,  to  assemble  the  militia  to  repel  the  late  invasion  of 
the  enemy,  is  truly  astonishing,  and  reflects  the  highest  honour  on 
the  state. 

Believing,  that  in  a  formal  interview,  I  could  best  explain  to 
you  the  intentions  of  the  government  and  my  own  views,  I  deter 
mined  to  come  on  to  this  place  to  see  you.  I  have  now  the  ho 
nour  to  repeat  to  you  in  this  way,  the  result  of  my  determination 
upon  the  employment  of  the  militia,  and  most  of  the  facts  upon 
which  my  determination  is  founded.  It  has  been  the  intention  of 
government  to  form  the  army  destined  for  operation,  upon  the 
lake  Erie,  exclusively  of  regular  troops,  if  they  could  be  raised ; 
the  number  was  limited  to  7000.  The  deficiency  of  the  regulars 
was  to  be  made  up  from  the  militia.  From  all  the  information  I 
at  present  possess,  I  am  convinced  that  there  will  be  a  great  de 
ficiency  in  the  contemplated  number  of  troops,  after  the  militia 
now  in  service,  and  whose  term  of  service  will  not  expire  imme 
diately,  have  been  added  to  the  regulars.  I  have  therefore  called 
on  the  governor  of  Kentucky,  for  2000  effectives :  with  these, 
there  will  still  be  a  defect  of  perhaps  12CG  troops,  lour  excel 
lency  has  stated,  the  men  who  have  turned  out  on  this  occasion, 
have  done  it  with  the  expectation  that  they  would  be  effectually 
employed,  and  that,  should  they  be  sent  home,  there  is  no  pros- 
ipect  of  getting  them  to  turn  out,  should  it  be  hereafter  required. 
To  employ  them  all,  is  impossible.  With  my  utmost  exertions, 
the  embarkation  cannot  be  effected  in  a  less  time  than  15  or  18 
days. 

Should  I  even  determine  to  substitute  them  for  the  regular 
troops,  which  are  expected,  to  keep  so  large  a  force  in  the  field, 
even  for  a  short  period,  would  consume  the  means  which  are  pro 
vided  for  the  support  of  the  campaign,  and  which  are  only  calcu 
lated  for  the  number  of  men  above  stated. 

I  would  recommend,  under  these  circumstances,  to  your  excel 
lency,  a  middle  course,  viz :  to  dismiss  all  the  militia  but  two  re 
giments  of  10  companies,  of  100  men  each,  and  an  usual  propor 
tion  of  field  and  platoon  non-commissioned  officers  and  musicians. 
That  this  corps  be  encamped  at  or  near  this  place,  until  it  is  as 
certained  whether  their  service  will  be  wanted.  A  short  time 
will  determine  this  question. 

Permit  me  to  request  your  excellency  to  give  your  countenance 
and  support  to  the  exertions  which  general  M*  Arthur  will  make 
to  fill  up  the  26th  regiment  of  12  month's  troops. 

It  appears  that  the  venerable  governor  of  Kentucky,  is  about 
to  take  command  of  the  troops  of  that  state;  could  your  excel- 


195 

tency  think  proper  to  follow  his  example,  I  need  not  tell  you  how 
highly  gratifying  it  would  be  to,  dear  sir,  vour  friend, 

WILLIAM  H.  HARRISON. 

Te  liis  excellency  Gov.  Meigs. 


ON  BOARD  TFIE  SHIP  GENERAL  PIKE, 

AT  SACKETT  S  HARBOR,  August  18th,  1813. 

SIR, 

I  arrived  here  this  day  with  this  ship,  the  Madison,  Oneida> 
Governor  Tompkins,  Conquest,  Ontario,  Pert,  and  Lady  of  the 
Lake.  The  Fair  American  and  Asp,  1  left  at  Niagara.  Since  1 
had  the  honour  of  addressing  you  last,  I  have  been  much  distressed? 
and  mortified  :  distressed  at  a  loss  of  a  part  of  the  force  entrusted 
to  my  command,  and  mortified  at  not  being  able  to  bring  the  ene 
my  to  action.  The  following  movements  and  transactions  of  the 
squadron,  since  the  6th  instant,  will  give  you  the  best  ideas  of  the 
difficulties  and  mortifications  that  I  have  had  to  encounter. 

On  the  7th,  at  day-light,  the  enemy's  fleet,  consisting  of  two 
ships,  two  brigs,  and  two  large  schooners,  were  discovered  bear 
ing  west  north-west,' distant  about  five  or  six  miles,  wind  at  west. 
At  5,  weighed  with  the  fleet  and  manouvred  to  gain  the  wind. 
At  9,  having  passed  to  the  leeward  of  the  enemy's  line,  and 
abreast  of  his  van  sh<p,  (the  Wolfe)  hoisted  our  colours  and  fired 
a  few  guns  to  ascertain  whether  we  could  reach  him  with  our  shot; 
finding  they  fell  short,  I  wore  and  hauled  upon  a  wind  on  the 
starboard  tack ;  the  rear  of  our  schooners  then  about  six  miles 
astern.  The  enemy  wore  in  succession  and  hauled  upon  a  wind 
on  the  same  tack,  but  soon  finding  that  we  should  be  able  to  wea 
ther  him  upon  the  next  tack,  he  tacked  and  made  all  sail  to  the 
northward.  As  soon  as  our  rear  vessels  could  fetch  his  wake, 
tacked  and  made  all  sail  in  chase.  In  the  afternoon  the  wind  be 
came  very  light,  and  towards  night  quite  calm.  The  schooners 
used  their  sweeps  all  the  afternoon,  in  order  to  close  with  the 
enemy,  but  without  success.  Late  in  the  afternoon  1  made  the 
signal  of  recal,  and  formed  in  close  order ;  wind  during  the  night 
from  the  westward,  and  after  midnight  squally  ;  kept  all  hands  at 
quarters,  and  beat  to  the  windward,  in  hopes  to  gain  the  wind  ot 
the  enemy.  At  2  A.  M.  missed  two  of  our  schooners — at  day 
light  discovered  the  missing  schooners  to  be  the  Hamilton  and 
Scourge.  Soon,after,  spoke  the  Governor  Tompkins,  who  informed 
me  that  the  Hamilton  and  Scourge  both  overset  and  sunk  in  a 
heavy  squall  about  2  o'clock ;  andf,  distressing  to  relate,  every 
sourperished,  except  16.  This  fatal  accident  deprived  meat 
once  of  the  services  of  two  valuable  officers,  lieutenant  Winter 
and  sailing  master  Osgood,  and  two  of  my  best  schooners,  mount 
ing  together  19  guns.  This  accident  giving  decidedly  to  the 
enemy  the  superiority,  I  thtught  he  weald  take  advantage  of  it, 


•particularly  as  by  a  change  of  wind,  he  was  again  brought  dead 
to  windward  of  me ;  formed  the  line  upon  the  larboard  tack  and 
hove  to.     Soon  after  6  A.  M.  the  enemy  bore  up  and  set  studding 
sails,  apparently  with  an  intention  to  bring  us  to  action.     When 
he  had  approached  us  within  about  four  miles,  he  brought  to  on 
starboard   tack,    I  wore  and  brought  to  on  same  tack.     Finding 
the  enemy  had  no  intention  of  bringing  us  to  action,  I  edged 
away  to  gain  the  land,  in  order  to  have  the  advantage  of  the  land 
breeze  in  the  afternoon.     It  soon  after  fell  calm,  and  I  directed 
the  schooners  to  sweep  up  and  engage  the  enemy.     About  noon 
we  got  a  light  breeze  from  the  eastward.     I  took  the  Oneida  in 
tow,  as  she  sails  badly,  and  stood  for  the  enemy.     When  the  van 
of  our  schooners  was  within  about  one  and  a  half  or  two  miles 
of  his  rear,  the  wind  shifted  to  the  westward,  which  again  brought 
him  to  windward ;  as  soon  as  the  breeze  struck  him,  he  bore  up 
lor  the  schooners,  in  order  to  cut  them  oft' before  they  could  rejoin 
me ;  but  with  their  sweeps,  and  the  breeze  soon  reaching  them 
also,  they  were  soon  in  their  station.     The  enemy  finding  himself 
foiled  in  his  attempt  upon  the  schooners,  hauled  his  wind  and  hove 
to.     It  soon  after  became  very  squally,  and  the  appearance  of 
its  continuing  so  during  the  night ;  and  as  we  had  been  at  quarters 
for  nearly  40  hours,  and  being  apprehensive  of  separating  from 
some  of  the  heavy  sailing  schooners  in  the  squall,  induced  me  to 
run  in  towards  Niagara,  and  anchor  outside  the  bar.     General 
Boyd  very  handsomely  offered  any  assistance  in  men  that  I  might 
require.     I  received  15Q  soldiers  and  distributed  them  indifferent 
vessels,  to  assist  in  boarding,  or  repelling  boarders,  as  circum 
stances  might  require.     It  blew  very  heavy  in  squajls  during  the 
night.     Soon  after  day-light  discovered  the  enemy's  fleet  bearing 
north;  weighed  and  stood  after  him.     The  winds  soon  became 
light  and  variable,  and  before  12  o'clock,  quite  calm.     At  5,  fresh 
breezes  from  north,  the  enemy's  fleet  bearing  north,  distant  about 
4  or  5  leagues.     Wore  the  fleet  in  succession,  and  hauled  upon  a 
wind  on  the  larboard  tack.     At  sun-down  the  enemy  bore  N.  W. 
by  N.  on  th$  starboard  tack.,     The  wind  hauling  to  the  westward, 
I  stood  to  the  northward  all  night,  in  order  to  gain  the  north  shore. 
At  day -light^  tacked  to  the  westward,  the  wind   having  changed 
to  north   north-west.     Soon  after,  discovered  the  enemy's  fleet 
bearing  south-west;  I  took  the  Asp.  and  tl\e  Madison,  the  Fair 
American  in  tow,  and  matfe  all  sail  in  chase.     It  was  at  this  time 
we  thought  of  realizing  what  we  had  been  so  long  toiling  for,  but 
before  12  o'clock,  the  wind  changed  to  west  south-west,  which 
brought  the  enemy  to  windward — tacked  to  the  northward.     At  3, 
the  wind  inclining  to  the  northward,  wore  to  the  southward  and 
•westward,  and  made  the  signal  for  the  fleet  to  make  aH  saij.    At 
4,  the  enemy  bore  south  south-west,  bore  up  and  steered  for  him. 
At  5,  observed  the  enemy  becalmed  under  the  land,  nearing  him 
very  fast,  with  a  fine  breeze  from  north  north-west.     At  6,  formed 
t^e  order  of  battle,  within  about  four  miles  of  the  enemy;  the 


•wind  at  this  time  very  light.  At  7,  the  wind  changed  to  south* 
west,  and  a  fresh  breeze,  which  again  placed  the  enemy  to  wind 
ward  of  me  ;  tacked  and  hauled  upon  a  wind  on  the  larboard  tack, 
under  easy  sail,  the  enemy  standing  after  us.  At  9,  when  within 
about  two  gun  shot  of  our  rear,  he  wore  to  the  southward — I  stood 
on  to  the  northward  under  easy  sail — the  fleet  formed  in  two  lines!, 
a  part  of  the  schooners  forming  the  weather  line,  with  orders  to 
commence  the  fire  upon  the  enemy  as  soon  as  their  shot  would 
take  effect,  and  as  the  enemy  reached  them,  to  edge  down  upon 
the  line  to  windward  and  pass  through  the  intervals  and  form  to 
leeward.  At  about  half  past  10,  the  enemy  tacked  and  stood 
after  us.  At  11,  the  rear  of  our  line  opened  his  fire  upon  the 
enemy :  in  about  15  minutes,  the  fire  became  general  from  the 
weather  line,  which  was  returned  from  the  enemy.  At  half 
past  11,  the  weather  line  bore  up  and  passed  to  the  leeward,  ex 
cept  the  Growler  and  Julia,  which  soon  after  tacked  to  the  south 
ward,  which  brought  the  enemy  between  them  and  me.  Filled 
the  main -top-sail  and  edged  away  two  points  to  lead  the  enemy 
down,  not  only  to  engage  him  to  more  advantage,  but  to  lead  him 
from  the  Growler  arid  Julia.  He,  however,  kept  his  wind,  until  he 
completely  separated  those  two  vessels  from  the  rest  of  the  squad 
ron,  exchanged  a  few  shot  with  his  ship  as  he  passed,  without  in 
jury  to  us,  and  made  sail  after  our  2  schooners.  Tacked  and  stood 
after  him.  At  12  (midnight)  finding  that  I  must  either  separate 
from  the  rest  of  the  squadron,  or  relinquish  the  hope  of  saving 
the  two  which  had  separated,  I  reluctantly  gave  up  the  pursuit, 
rejoined  the  squadron,  then  to  the  leeward,  and  formed  the  line 
on  the  starboard  tack.  The  firing  was  continued  between  our 
2  schooners,  and  the  enemy's  fleet  until  about  1  A.  M.  when,  I 
presume,  they  were  obliged  to  surrender  to  a  force  so  much  their 
superior  ;  saw  no  more  of  the  enemy  that  night :  soon  after  day 
light  discovered  them  close  in  with  the  north  shore,  with  one  of 
our  schooners  in  tow,  the  other  not  to  be  seen.  I  presume  she  may 
have  been  sunk.  The  enemy  showed  no  disposition  to  come 
down  upon  us,  although  to  windward,  and  blowing  heavy  from  W. 
The  schooners 'laboring  very  much,  I  ordered  2  of  the  dullest  to 
run  into  Niagara  and  anchor.  The  gale  increasing  very  much, 
and  as  I  could  not  go  into  Niagara  with  this  ship,  I  determined  to 
run  to  Genesee  bay,  as  a  shelter  for  the  small  vessels,  and  with  the 
expectation  of  being  able  to  obtain  provisions  for  the  squadron,  as 
we  were  all  nearly  out,  the  Madison  and  Oneida,  having  not  a  sin 
gle  day's  on  board  when  we  arrived  opposite  Genesee  bay.  I 
ound  there  was  every  prospect  of  the  gale's  continuing,  and  if 
it  did,  I  could  run  to  this  place  and  provision  the  whole  squadron 
with  more  certainty,  and  nearly  in  the  same  time  that  1  could  a.t 
Genesee,  admitting  that  I  could  obtain  provisions  at  that  place. 
After  bringing  the  breezes  as  for  as  Oswego,  the  wind  became 
light,  inclining  to  a  calm,  which  prolonged  our  passage  to  this 
tiay.  I  shall  provision  the  squadron  for  5  weeks,  and  proceed  uf> 


198 

the  lake  this  evening,  and  when  I  return  again  I  hope  to  be  able  to 
communicate  more  agreeable  news  than  this  communication  con 
tains. 

The  loss  of  the  Growler  and  Julia,  in  the  manner  in  which  they 
have  been  lost,  is  mortifying  in  the  extreme;  and  although  their 
commanders  disobeyed  my  positive  orders,  I  am  willing  to  believe 
that  it  arose  from  an  error  of  judgment,  and  excess  of  zeal  to  do 
more  than  was  required  of  them,  thinking  probably  that  the  enemy 
intended  to  bring  us  to  a  general  action,  they  thought  by  gaining 
the  wind  of  him  they  would  have  it  more  in  their  power  to  annoy 
and  injure  him  than  they  could  by  forming  to  leeward  of  our  line. 
From  what  I  have  been  able  to  discover  of  the  movements  of  the 
enemy,  he  has  no  intention  of  engaging  us,  except  he  can  get  de 
cidedly  the  advantage  of  wind  and  weather,  and  as  his  vessels  in 
squadron  sail  better  than  our  squadron,  he  can  always  avoid 
an  action — unless  I  can  gain  the  wind,  and  have  sufficient  day 
light  to  bring  him  to  action  before  dark.  His  object  is,  evident 
ly,  to  harrass  us  by  night  attacks,  by  which  means  he  thinks  to 
cut  oft  our  small  dull  sailing  schooners  in  detail.  Fortune  has 
evidently  favored  him  thus  far.  I  hope  that  it  will  be  my  turn 
next,  and  although  inferior  in  point  of  force,  I  feel  very  confident 
of  success. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  sir,  &c. 

ISAAC  CHAUNCEY. 
lion.  Wm.  Jones,  Secretary  of  the  Navy.  » 


UNITED  STATES,  FLOTILLA,  NEW  CASTLE, 

August  17th,  1813. 

SIR, 

I  have  just  received  a  letter  from  sailing-master  Shead,  res 
pecting  the  capture  of  the  gun-boat  No.  121  (a  copy  of  which  I 
have  the  honor  of  inclosing  to  you.)  I  see  from  this  the  enemy 
had  7  killed  and  12  wounded,  4  since  dead.  I  am  convinced 
they  have  deceived  him,  both  as  to  the  number  of  killed  and  woun 
ded,  as  well  as  the  number  of  men  in  the  boats,  which  at  the 
smallest  calculation  could  not  have  been  less  than  250. 
I  have  the  honour  to  remain,  &c. 

SAMUEL  ANGUS. 

Hon.  Wm.  Jones,  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 


(iNCLOSURE,) 

ON  BOARD  H.  M.  SLOOP  MARTIN, 

Oft'  Rhode  Island,  August  6th,  1813. 
SIR, 

It  is  with  the  deepest  regret  that  I  announce  to  you  the  cap 
ture  of  the  United  States  gun-boat  No.  121,  under  my  command, 
by  the  boats  of  the  Junon  frigate  and  Martin  sloop  of  war,  8  in 


number,  3  of  which  mounted  12  pound  carronades,  and  carrying 
in  all  150  men.  At  10  minutes  before  meridian  on  the  27th  oF 
July,  I  received  orders  from  you  to  form  a  line  a  head  and  to  fire 
on  the  enemy,  but  finding  myself  drove  away  from  the  squadron. 
by  the  wind  dying  away  and  a  strong  ebb  tide,  I  remained  sweep 
ing  and  firing  the  32  pounder.  At  the  same  time  finding  my 
shot  did  not  reach,  I  placed  all  hands  to  the  sweeps  to  endeavour 
to  gain  the  squadron.  At  20  minutes  before  1  P.  M.  I  com 
menced  firing  on  the  enemy's  boats  and  sweeping  at  the  same  time ; 
but  finding  1  could  gain  nothing,  I  anchored  to  receive  them  as 
American  tars  have  been  accustomed  to.  The  enemy  then  get 
ting  within  grape  reach,  I  commenced  it,  but  unfortunately  the 
pintle  of  the  large  gun  gave  way  the  1st  round  ;  I  again  charged 
and  got  her  to  bear,  which  discharge  did  considerable  damage, 
but  tearing  my  gun  carriage  all  to  pieces.  I  loaded  with  the  hope 
of  getting  her  to  bear  again,  but  found  it  utterly  impossible  ; 
the  enemy  now  close  on  board,  discharging  vollies  of  shot  from 
their  carronades  and  musketry,  I  called  the  boarders  and  small 
arms  men  away  to  repel  the  enemy;  they  now  surrounding  us, 
poured  in  a  heavy  fire  which  we  returned  with  as  much  prompt 
ness  as  our  feeble  numbers  would  admit ;  several  of  my  men 
having  now  fell,  our  ensign  halyards  shot  away,  and  seeing  the 
superiority  of  the  enemy's  force  in  the  act  of  boarding  us  in  every 
quarter,  they  began  to  fire  briskly,  and  I  found  it  necessary  for 
the  preservation  of  those  few  valuable  lives  left,  to  surrender 
to  seven  times  our  number :  the  enemy  boarding,  loaded  our  decks 
with  men  ;  we  were  all  driven  below,  and  it  was  with  the  utmost 
difficulty  that  the  officers  could  stay  the  revenge  of  the  seamen, 
who  seemed  to  thirst  for  blood  and  plunder,  the  last  of  which  they 
had,  by  robbing  us  of  every  thing :  we  had  none  killed,  but  seveii 
wounded,  five  slightly.  The  enemy's  loss  by  us,  was  seven  killed 
and  twelve  wounded,  four  of  whom  have  since  died.  They  have 
conquered  me,  but  they  have  paid  dearly  for  it,  and  I  trust,  sir, 
when  you  come  to  view  the  disadvantages  that  I  laboured  under, 
having  been  but  seven  days  on  board  my  boat,  and  scarcely  time 
to  station  my  men,  and  the  misfortune  of  entirely  disabling  my 
gun,  and  the  superiority  of  numbers  to  oppose  me ;  you  w?ll  be 
convinced  that  the  flag  I  had  the  honour  to  wear,  has  not  lost  any 
of  that  national  character  which  has  ever  been  attached  to  it. 
I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

WILLIAM  SHEAD,  Sailing  Master] 
Lieut.  Samuel  Angus, 

commanding  U.  S.  Flotilla,  Delaware. 


HEAD  QUARTERS,  FORT  GEORGE,  August  ITU,  1813, 
SIR, 

In  the  last  letter  which  I  had  the  honour  to  address  to  you, 
I  had  to  coumuMHcate  the  information  that  commodore  Chauncev 


had  left  this  part  of  the  lake  ;  yesterday  an  express  arrived  from 
the  18  Mile  Creek,  stating  that  he  was  then  off  that  place,  in  pur 
suit  of  the  British  fleet,  which  was  likewise  to  be  seen. 

A  body  of  volunteers,  militia  and  Indians,  under  the  command 
ef  brigadier  general  Porter,  of  the  New  York  militia,  having  ar 
rived  at  this  place,  and  very  impatient  to  engage  the  enemy,  a 
plan  was,  this  morning,  concerted  to  cut  off  one  of  his  pickets. 
About  300  volunteers  and  Indians  under  the  command  of  major 
Chapin,  was  to  effect  this  object,  supported  by  200  regulars  under 
the  command  of  major  Cummings,  of  the  16th  infantry.  A  heavy 
rain,  and  other  untoward  circumstances,  defeated  the  primary 
object,  but  in  a  skirmish  that  ensued,  in  which  the  enemy  were 
completely  routed,  our  Indians  captured  12  of  the  British  Indians, 
and  four  whites.  Many  of  the  enemy's  dead  were  left  on  the  field, 
among  whom  is  supposed  to  be  the  famous  chief,  Norton.  Our 
loss  was  only  two  Indians,  and  a  few  slightly  wounded.  Those 
who  participated  in  this  contest,  particularly  the  Indians,  conduct 
ed  with  great  bravery  and  activity.  General  Porter  volunteered 
in  the  affair,  and  major  Chapin  evinced  his  accustomed  zeal  and 
courage.  The  regulars  under  major  Cummings,  as  far  as  they 
were  engaged,  conducted  well.  The  principal  chiefs  who  led  the 
warriors  this  day,  were,  Farmer's  Brother,  Red  Jacket,  Little 
Billy,  Pollard,  Black  Snake,  Johnson,  Silver  Heels,  Captain  Half- 
town,  Major  Henry  0.  Ball,  (Cornplanter's  son)  and  captain  Cold, 
chief  of  Onondago,  who  was  wounded.  In  a  council  which  was 
held  with  them  yesterday,  they  covenanted  not  to  scalp  or  mur 
der  ;  and  I  am  happy  to  say,  tnat  they  treated  the  prisoners  with 
humanity,  and  committed  no  wanton  cruelties  upon  the  dead. 

The  Canadian  volunteers,  under  major  Wilcox,  were  active  and 
brave  as  usual. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 
JOHN  P.  BOYD,  Brig.  Gen.  Comndg* 
Hon.  John  Armstrong'. 


HEAD  QUARTERS,  FORT  GEORGE,  August  18th,  1813. 

SIR, 

Yesterday  I  had  the  honour  to  address  you  a  letter,  detailing 
the  conduct  of  the  Indians  in  a  late  skirmish.  Their  bravery  and 
humanity  were  equally  conspicuous.  Already  the  quietness  in 
which  our  pickets-  are  suffered  to  remain,  evinces  the  benefit  aris 
ing  from  their  assistance.  Permit  me  to  suggest  the  propriety  of 
immediately  depositing  presents  for  them  in  the  hands  of  Mr. 
Granger,  of  whose  exertions,  and  those  of  Mr.  Parrish,  I  must  ex-* 
press  my  approbation. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

JOHN  P.  BOYD,  Brig.  Gen, 
Hon.  John  Armstrong-, 


Extract  of  a  letter  from  captain  John  H.  Dent,  commanding  naval 
officer  at  Charleston,  8.  C.  dated  August  21st,  1813. 

"  SIR, 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  inform  you  that  the  privateer 
schooner  Decatur,  of  this  port,  arrived  here  yesterday,  with  his 
Britannic  majesty's  schooner  Dominico,  her  prize.  She  was 
captured  on  the  5th  instant,  after  a  most  gallant  and  desperate 
action  of  one  hour,  and  carried  by  boarding^  having  all  her  officers 
killed  or  wounded.  She  was  one  of  the  best  equipped  and  man 
ned  vessels  of  her  class  I  have  ever  seen.  The  Decatur  mounts 
seven  guns,  and  had  a  complement  of  103  men  at  the  commence 
ment  of  the  action,  nineteen  of  whom  were  killed  and  wounded. 

"I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

"JOHN  H.  DENT." 

Hon.  Wm.  Jones,  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 


HEAD  QUARTERS,  FORT  GEORGE,  August  24th,  1813. 

SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  report,  that  at  day  break  this  morning 
the  enemy  attacked  us  at  all  our  pickets,  which  retired  towards 
the  camp,  pursued  by  his  advance  guards.  A  skirmish  ensued  in 
the  village,  with  little  effect  upon  us ;  after  which  he  retreated, 
having  come  within  reach  of  our  cannon,  but  never  within  musket- 
shot  of  our  entrenchments.  One  captain  of  the  49th  and  a  few 
privates  have  been  brought  in  prisoners.  We  lost  two  men  and 
a  few  wounded ;  the  enemy  left  about  fifteen  dead  on  the  different 
grounds.  He  is  supposed"  to  have  brought  his  whole  force  into 
the  field ;  but  finding  our  position  so  strong,  desisted  from  a 
general  attack.  Sir  George  Prevost  was  in  person  at  the  attack. 
His  force  is  withdrawn  out  of  our  reach  into  his  strong  holds. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

JOHN  P.  BOYD,  B.  G.  C. 
Hon.  J.  Armstrong,  Secretary  of  War. 


CHARLESTON,  (S  C.)  August  26th,  1813. 

SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  acquaint  you,  that  I  received  a  letter 
express,  last  night,  from  major  Jenkins,  commanding  the  St.  Hele 
na  militia,  stating  that  the  enemy's  two  brigs,  the  Calibre  and 
Charybdis,  got  under  way  on  Monday  morning,  with  an  intention 
of  proceeding  to  sea,  when  the  wind  shifted  to  the  eastward ;  and 
in  attempting  to  beat  over  the  bar,  one  of  them  (supposed  to  be 
the  Calibre)  grounded  on  Cole  Scarce  Reef,  and  in  a  short  time 
after  bilged  and  became  a  complete  wreck.  The  crew  was  taken 
off  by  the  other,  which  now  lies  about  five  miles  from  Bay  Point, 
waiting  a  wind  to  proceed  to  sea. 

26 


Major  Jenkins  states,  that  they  landed  twice  at  a  plantation  of 
3tfr.  Pope's,  and  took  one  of  his  large  canoes  off,  with  some  provi 
sions.  It  appears  their  object  in  entering  Port  Royal  was  princi 
pally  to  sound  the  bar,  and  roadstead,  which  they  have  effected, 
as  their  boats  were  seen  on  that  service  the  whole  time  they  were 
at  anchor.  The  officer  who  delivered  major  Jenkins's  letter  fur 
ther  states,  that  the  wreck  had  entirely  gone  to  pieces,  a  great 
part  drifted  on  shore,  among  which  were  her  boats  and  the  stolen 
canoe. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

JOHN  H.  DENT, 

Honourable  William  Jones, 

Secretary  of  the  Navy. 

Extract  of  a  letter  from  General  Ferdinand  L.  Claiborne,  to 
General  Flournoy,  commanding  the  7th  Military  District. 

"  CANTONMENT,  MOUNT  VERNON,  September  3d,  1813. 
"SIR, 

"  On  the  31st  ultimo,  I  had  the  honour  to  receive  your  letter  of 
the  24th,  with  its  enclosure,  forwarded  by  express  to  me,  then  at 
Easley's  station,  near  the  Creek  line,  and  about  85  miles  above 
this,  on  the  Tombigbee. 

"  Colonel  Hawkins's  communications  for  some  time  past  have 
unfortunately  had  a  tendency  to  lessen  our  apprehensions,  and 
to  beget  a  belief  of  our  almost  perfect  security.  My  little,  but 
inestimable  corps,  have  felt  the  effects  begotten  by  the  doubts 
which  existed  as  to  the  real  intention  of  the  Creeks.  It  proba 
bly  prevented  yourself,  and  certainly  governor  Holmes,  from 
sending  troops  to  this  exposed  part  of  the  country.  About  the 
23d  ultimo,  I  received  information  that  1200  Indians  were  on 
the  eve  of  entering  the  territory,  with  the  intention  to  attack  the 
upper  posts  in  the  Tombigbee,  that  commanded  by  colonel  Carson 
in  the  fork  of  the  Tombigbee  and  Alabama  rivers,  and  the  one  on 
Tensaw  commanded  by  major  BeasUy.  The  Indians  from  the 
Black  Warrior  were  to  attack  the  upper  posts ;  and  those  from  the 
Alabama,  that  on  Tensaw.  This  information  was  immediately 
communicated  to  colonel  Carson  and  major  Beasley,  and  my  ar 
rangements  made  for  the  defence  of  the  three  places  threatened, 
in  the  best  manner  of  which  the  limited  means  I  possessed  would 
admit, 

"  With  80  men,  I  went  myself  to  Easley's,  and  was  joined  by 
two  detachments  of  volunteer  militia  under  the  command  of  co 
lonel  Haines,  aid-de-camp  to  governor  Holmes,  and  by  a  captain 
Cassity.  The  place  was  attacked  at  the  time  expected,  and  after 
several  unsuccessful  attempts  to  gain  intelligence,  my  scouts  fell 
in  with  2  Chocktaw  Indians,  from  whose  information  I  was  induced 
to  believe,  that  no  attack  would  soon  be  made.  In  fact  they  seem 
ed  rather  to  insinuate  that  the  enemy  was  rather  intimidated,  arid 


203 

ttatedthat  the  Ghocktaws  in  the  immediate  neighbourhood,  who 
had  joined  them,  had,  at  the  instance  of  Pooshemataha,  (a  medal 
chief)  withdrawn  from  them,  intending  to  remain  neutral ;  and  that 
they  had  removed  and  were  removing  from  the  scene  of  action 
to  a  more  secure  place  for  their  women  and  children.  This  I 
ascertained  to  be  the  fact.  Their  towns  were  visited  by  captain 
Wells  of  dragoons,  and  found  abandoned.  Under  these  circum 
stances  I  leftEasley's  station,  and,  on  my  way  to  this  post,  learned 
that  major  Beasley  had  been  attacked.  I  reached  this  place  at 
twelve  o'clock  last  night,  having  rode  70  miles  since  morning. 

"  The  attack  on  major  Beasley  was  made  at  about  1 1  o'clock,  A. 
M.  on  the  30th  ultimo.  It  was  unexpected  at  the  moment  it  oc- 
cured,  but  the  whole  garrison  was  immediately  under  arms.  The 
front  gate  was  open,  and  the  enemy  ran  in  great  numbers  to  pos 
sess  themsevles  of  it.  In  the  contest  for  the  gate  many  fell  on 
both  sides  :  soon,  however,  the  action  became  general,  the  enemy 
fighting  on  all  sides  in  the  open  field,  and  as  near  the  stockade 
as  they  could  get.  The  port-holes  were  taken  and  retaken  seve 
ral  times.  A  block -house  was  contended  for  by  captain  Jack,  at 
the  head  of  his  brave  riflemen,  for  the  space  of  an  hour  after  the 
enemy  were  in  possession  of  a  part  of  it,  when  finally  they  suc 
ceeded  in  driving  this  company  into  a  house  in  the  fort,  and  hav 
ing  stopped  many  of  the  port-holes  with  the  ends  of  rails,  possess 
ed  themselves  of  the  walls.  From  the  houses  our  troops  made  a 
gallant  defence,  but  the  enemy  set  fire  to  the  roofs,  and  an 
attempt  to  extinguish  the  flames  proved  unsuccessful.  The  few 
who  remained  now  attempted  to  retreat  under  the  direction  of 
captain  Bailey  of  the  militia,  and  ensign  Charnbliss  of  the  rifle 
company,  both  of  whom  had  been  badly  wounded.  Previously  to 
their  retreat,  they  threw  into  the  flames  many  of  the  guns  of  the 
dead  men.  Few  of  them  succeeded  in  escaping.  Both  the 
officers  are  missing,  and  supposed  to  be  dead.  Nine  of  the  vo 
lunteers  and  three  of  the  volunteer  militia  have  reached  this, 
several  of  them  wounded.  A  few  citizens  who  fought  in  the 
stockade,  but  not  enrolled  in  any  company,  also  escaped,  one  of 
them  leaving  a  wife  and  six  children,  who  were  probably  burnt  to 
death.  Major  Beasley  fell  gallantly  fighting  at  the  head  of  his 
command  near  the  gate,  at  the  commencement  of  the  action. 
Captain  Jack  was  killed  about  the  close  of  the  scene,  having  pre 
viously  received  two  wounds.  Captain  Middleton  also  distin 
guished  himself,  having  received  four  or  five  wounds  before  he 
tell.  He  was  active  and  fought  bravely  from  the  commencement 
of  the  action  until  he  died.  Lieutenant  S.  M.  Osborn,  of  Wil 
kinson  county,  after  receiving  two  wounds,  was  taken  into  a  house, 
but  requested  to  die  on  the  ground,  that  he  might  as  long:  as  pos 
sible  see  the  men  fight.  The  other  officers  fell  nobly  doing  their 
duty;  and  the  non-commissioned  officers  and  privates  deserve 
equally  well.  The  action  continued  until  five  in  the  evening. 


204 

"  Our  loss  is  great:  sixty-five,  including  officers  and  men,  were 
killed  belonging  to  the  first  regiment  of  Mississippi  territory 
volunteers,  and  twenty-seven  volunteer  militia,  officers  included. 
Many  respectable  citizens,  with  numerous  families,  who  had 
abandoned  their  farms  for  security,  were  also  killed  or  burnt  in 
the  houses  into  which  they  had  fled.  The  loss  of  the  enemy  must 
have  been  from  150  to  200  killed  and  wounded.  Their  force  is 
supposed  to  have  been  from  5  to  700. 

"At  the  mills  of  Messrs.  J.  and  W.  Pierce,  about  a  mile  from 
the  post,  is  a  small  guard,  commanded  by  lieutenant  Montgomery, 
which  were  stationed  previous  to,  and  at  the  time  of,  the  attack ; 
but  it  is  believed  he  abandoned  his  position  in  time  to  save  his 
command.  He  has  not  yet  been  heard  of,  but  1  hope  made  good 
his  retreat  to  Mobile. 

"  Lieutenant  colonel  Ross,  whilst  at  Mobile,  hearing  of  the  fate, 
or  probable  fate,  of  our  troops  on  Tensaw,  ordered  captain  Blue, 
of  the  7th  United  States'  regiment,  with  100  men,  to  this  place, 
and  he  arrived  about  day -break  this  morning,  and  will  here  wait 
your  orders.  We  are  busily  engaged  in  fitting  this  cantonment 
for  defence,  and  will  be  prepared  to  give  a  good  account  of  the 
enemy,  should  an  opportunity  offer.  They  will,  however,  not 
attack  us  until  they  unite  all  their  forces ;  but  when  they  do,  you 
may  rely  on  their  being  warmly  received.  It  is  my  belief  that 
they  cannot  bring  a  force  against  us  which  we  will  not  be  able  to 
defeat ;  but  we  can  do  no  more  than  defend  ourselves  in  this 
place. 

"  I  have  not  heard  from  colonel  Carson.  He  has  a  good  stockade, 
and  a  garrison  of  about  150  volunteers,  and  within  200  yards  is 
a  station,  in  which  aw  many  families,  and  about  50  fighting  men. 
Should  the  Indians  attack  the  colonel,  he  will  certainly  defeat 
them.  Dent  a  ad  Scott's  companies  are  ordered  from  Easley's  to 
St.  Stephens,  where  are  also  the  broken  companies  of  Morrison 
and  Foelckill.  In  the  Chocktaw  factory  at  St.  Stephens,  there  is 
much  public  property.  At  this  place  we  have  the  papers  belong 
ing  to  the  land-office ;  the  citizens  having  left  them  and  fled  to 
the  different  forts,  and  the  enemy  will  enrich  themselves  with 
plunder.  I  have  not  a  force  which  will  enable  me  to  guard  this 
extensive  frontier,  and  the  country  must  rest  upon  governor 
Holmes,  in  part,  for  aid.  I  know  that  your  situation  will  not 
admit  of  your  drawing  much,  if  any  force,  from  Mobile  and  Mobile 
point,  and  that  you  have  no  disposable  troops  on  the  Mississippi. 
Manac,a  half  breed,  who  can  be  relied  on,  was  at  Pensacola  about 
ten  days  ago.  He  says,  that  while  he  was  there,  three  vessels  with 
Spanish  troops  arrived. 

"  Judge  Toulmin  and  a  great  many  families  have  left  this  part  of 
the  country,  and  gone  to  Mobile.  I  fear  many  negroes  will  run 
off  to  the  enemy ;  indeed  they  are  already  in  possession  of  about 
100  of  them,  and  a  large  quantity  of  stock  and  other  property, 


205 

"  Six  o'clock,  P.  M.  An  express  this  moment  arrived  from 
general  Flournoy,  with  orders  for  the  3d  United  States'  regiment 
to  march  immediately. 

"The  volunteer  cavalry  are  also  under  similar  orders." 


UNITED  STATES'  SLOOP  PRESIDENT, 

Near  Plattsburg1,  September  9th,  1813. 

SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  inform  you  that  I  arrived  here  yesterday 
from  near  the  lines,  having  sailed  from  Burlington  on  the  6th, 
with  an  intention  to  fall  in  with  the  enemy  who  were  then  near 
this  place ;  having  proceeded  to  within  a  short  distance  of  the 
lines,  I  received  information  that  they  were  at  anchor  there.  Soon 
after,  they  weighed  and  stood  to  the*  northward  out  of  the  lake ; 
thus  if  not  acknowled^in"*  our  ascendancy  on  the  lake,  evincing 
an  unwillingness  (although  they  had  the  advantage  of  situation, 
owing  to  the  narrowness  of  the  channel  in  which  their  galleys 
could  work,  when  we  should  want  room)  to  determine  it. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

THOMAS  MACDONOUGH* 
Hon.  Wm.  Jones,  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 


U.  S.  BRIG  NIAGARA,  OFF  THE  WESTERN  SISTERS, 

Head  of  lake  Erie,  September  10th,  1813,  4  P.  M. 

SIR, 

It  has  pleased  the  Almighty  to  give  to  the  arms  of  the  United 
States  a  signal  victory  over  their  enemies  on  this  lake.  The  Bri 
tish  squadron,  consisting  of  two  ships,  two  brigs,  one  schooner, 
and  one  sloop,  have  this  moment  surrendered  to  the  force  under 
my  command,  after  a  sharp  conflict. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

0.  H.  PERRY. 
Hon.  Wm.  Jones,  Secretary  of  the  Navy . 


U.  S.  SCHOONER  ARIEL,  PUT-IN-BAY, 

September  13th,  1813. 

SIR, 

In  my  last  I  informed  you  that  we  had  captured  the  enemy's 
fleet  on  this  lake.  I  have  now  the  honour  to  give  you  the  most 
important  particulars  of  the  action.  On  the  morning  of  the  10th 
instant,  at  sun-rise,  they  were  discovered  from  Put-in-Bay,  when 
I  lay  at  anchor  with  the  squadron  under  my  command.  We  got 
under  weigh,  the  wind  light  at  south-west,  and  stood  for  them.  At 
10  A.  M.  the  wind  hauled  to  south-east  and  brought  us  to  wind 
ward  ;  formed  the  line  and  bore  up.  At  15  minutes  before  12, 
the  enemy  commenced  firing  ;  at  five  minutes  before  12,  the  action 
commenced  on  our  part.  Finding  their  fire  very  destructive 


206 

•wing  to  their  long  guns,  and  its  being  mostly  directed  at  the 
Lawrence,  I  made  sail,  and  directed  the  other' vessels  to  follow, 
for  the  purpose  of  closing  with  the  enemy.  Every  brace  and 
bowline  being  soon  shot  away,  she  became  unmanageable,  not 
withstanding  the  great  exertions  of  the  sailing  master.  In  this 
situation,  she  sustained  the  action  upwards  of  two  hours  within 
canister  distance,  until  every  gun  was  rendered  useless,  and  the 
greater  part  of  her  crew  either  killed  or  wounded.  Finding  she 
could  no  longer  annoy  the  enemy,  I  left  her  in  charge  of  lieuten 
ant  Yarnall,  who,  I  was  convinced,  from  the  bravery  already  dis 
played  by  him,  would  do  what  would  comport  with  the  honour  of 
the  flag.  At  half  past  two,  the  wind  springing  up,  captain  Elliot 
was  enabled  to  bring  his  vessel,  the  Niagara,  gallantly  into  close 
action.  I  immediately  went  on  board  other,  when  he  anticipated 
my  wish  by  volunteering  to  bring  the  schooner  which  had  been 
kept  astern  by  the  lightness  of  the  wind,  into  close  action.  It 
was  with  unspeakable  pain  that  I  saw,  soon  after  I  got  onboard 
the  Niagara,  the  flag  of  the  Lawrence  come  down,  although  I  was 
perfectly  sensible  that  she  had  been  defended  to  the  last,  and  that 
to  have  continued  to  make  a  show  of  resistance  would  have  been  a 
wanton  sacrifice  of  the  remains  of  her  brave  crew.  But  the  en 
emy  was  not  able  to  take  possession  of  her,  and  circumstances 
soon  permitted  her  flag  again  to  be  hoisted.  At  45  minutes  past 
2,  the  signal  was  made  for  "close  action."  The  Niagara  being 
very  little  injured,  I  determined  to  pass  through  the  enemy's  line, 
bore  up  and  passed  ahead  of  their  two  ships  and  a  brig,  giving  a 
raking  fire  to  them  from  the  starboard  guns,  and  to  a  large  schoo 
ner  and  sloop,  from  the  larboard  side,  at  half  pistol  shot  distance. 
The  smaller  vessels  at  this  time  having  got  within  grape  and  can 
ister  distance,  under  the  direction  of  captain  Elliot,  and  keeping 
up  a  well  directed  fire,  the  two  ships,  a  brig,  and  a  schooner  sur 
rendered,  a  schooner  and  sloop  making  a  vain  attempt  to  escape. 
Those  officers  and  men  who  were  immediately  under  my  ob 
servation,  evinced  the  greatest  gallantry,  and  I  have  no  doubt 
that  all  others  conducted  themselves  as  became  American  officers 
and  seamen.  Lieutenant  Yarnall,  first  of  the  Lawrence,  although 
several  times  wounded,  refused  to  quit  the  deck.  Midshipman 
Forrest  (doing  duty  as  lieutenant)  and  sailing  master  Taylor, 
were  of  great  assistance  to  me.  I  have  great  pain  in  stating  to 
you,  the  death  of  lieutenant  Brook  of  the  marines,  and  midship 
man  Laub,  both  of  the  Lawrence,  and  midshipman  John  Clarke 
of  the  Scorpion  :  they  were  valuable  and  promising  officers.  Mr. 
Hambleton,  purser,  who  volunteered  his  services  on  deck,  was 
severely  wounded  late  in  the  action.  Midshipmen  Claxton  and 
Swartout  of  the  Lawrence,  were  severely  wounded.  On  board 
the  Niagara,  lieutenants  Smith  and  Edwards,  and  midshipman 
Webster  (doing  duty  as  sailing  master)  behaved  in  a  very  hand 
some  manner.  Captain  Brevoort  of  the  army,  who  acted  as  a 
volunteer  in  the  capacity  of  a  marine  officer,  on  board  that  vessel. 


207 

is  an  excellent  and  brave  officer,  and  with  his  musketry,  did  great 
execution.  Lieutenant  Turner,  commanding  the  Caledonia, 
brought  that  vessel  into  action  in  the  most  able  manner,  and  is  an 
officer  that  in  all  situations,  may  be  relied  on.  The  Ariel,  lieute 
nant  Parker,  and  Scorpion,  sailing  master  Champlin,  were  enabled 
to  get  early  into  action,  and  were  of  great  service.  Captain  El 
liot  speaks  in  the  highest  terms  of  Mr.  Magrath,  purser,  who  had 
been  despatched  in  a  boat  on  service,  previous  to  my  getting  on 
board  the  Niagara ;  and,  being  a  seaman,  since  the  action  has  ren 
dered  essential  service  in  taking  charge  of  one  of  the  prizes.  Of 
captain  Elliot,  already  so  well  known  to  the  government,  it  would 
be  almost  superfluous  to  speak ;  in  this  action,  he  evinced  his  cha 
racteristic  bravery  and  judgment ;  and,  since  the  close  of  the 
action,  has  given  me  the  most  able  and  essential  assistance. 

I  have  the  honour  to  enclose  you  a  return  of  the  killed  and 
wounded,  together  with  a  statement  of  the  relative  force  of  the 
squadrons.  The  captain  and  first  lieutenant  of  the  Queen  Char 
lotte,  and  first  lieutenant  of  the  Detroit,  were  killed.  Captain 
Barclay,  senior  officer,  and  the  commander  of  the  Lady  Prevost, 
severely  wounded.  Their  loss  in  killed  and  wounded,  I  have  not 
yet  been  able  to  ascertain ;  it  must,  however,  have  been  very  great. 

Very  respectfully,  &c. 

0.  H.  PERRY. 
Hon.  Wm.  Jones,  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 

Statement  of  the  force  of  the  British  squadron. 
Ship  Detroit,  19  guns — 1  on  pivot  and  2  howitzers. 

Queen  Charlotte,    -  -     17  guns,    1       do. 

Schooner  Lady  Prevost,      -  13    do.      1       do. 

Brig  Hunter,  -       10    do.      - 

Sloop  Little  Belt,       -  3    do.      - 

Schooner  Chippeway,      -        §  1    do.  and  2  swivels. 

63  guns. 

Note — The  Detroit  is  a  new  ship,  very  strongly  built,  and 
mounts  long  twenty-fours,  eighteens,  and  twelves. 

Statement  of  the  force  of  the  United  States'  squadron* 

Brig  Lawrence,  -                  20  guns, 

Niagara,     -  -     20    do. 

Caledonia,  3     do. 

Schooner  Ariel,  -      4    do.  (1  burst  early  in  action) 

Scorpion,  2     do. 

Somers,       -  2    do.  and  2  swivels 

Sloop  Trippe,  -   1     do. 

Schooner  Tygress,     -  1     do. 

Porcupine,  -                   1     do. 

54  guns, 


208 

The  exact  number  of  the  enemy's  force,  has  not  been  ascer 
tained,  but  I  have  good  reason  to  believe  that  it  exceeded  ours,  by 
nearly  100  men. 

List  of  killed  and  wounded  on  board  the  United  States'  squadron, 
under  command  of  O.  H.  Perry,  esq.  in  the  action  of  the  Wth 
of  September,  1813. 

[Two  days  previous  to  the  action,  57  men  unfit  for  duty  in  the 
imall  vessels.] 

On  board  the  Lawrence, — Killed  22, — Wounded  61 — Total  83 

Niagara,  2  25                27 

Caledonia,  0  33 

Somers,  0  22 

Ariel,  1  34 

Trippe,  0  22 

Scorpion,  2  02 

27  96  123 


S.  HAMBLETON,  Purser. 
O.  II.  PERRY,  Captain  and  Senior  officer. 


UNITED  STATES'  SHIP  GENERAL  PIKE, 

Off  Duck  Island,  September  13th,  1813. 

SIR, 

'  On  the  7th,  at  day-light,  the  enemy's  fleet  was  discovered 
close  in  with  Niagara  river,  wind  from  the  southward  ; — made  the 
signal,  weighed  with  the  fleet  (prepared  for  action)  and  stood  out 
ofthe  river  after  him  ;  he  immediately  made  all  sail  to  the  north 
ward-  We  made  sail  in  chase,  with  our  heavy  schooners  in  tow, 
and  have  continued  the  chase  all  around  the  lake,  night  and  day, 
until  yesterday  morning,  when  he  succeeded  in  getting  into  Am- 
herst  bay,  which  is  so  little  known  to  our  pilots,  and  said  to  be 
full  of  shoals,  that  they  are  not  willing  to  take  me  in  there.  I 
shall,  however,  (unless  driven  from  my  station  by  a  gale  of  wind) 
endeavour  to  watch  him  so  close,  as  to  prevent  his  getting  out 
upon  the  lake. 

During  our  long  chase  we  frequently  got  within  from  one  to  two 
miles  of  the  enemy,  but  our  heavy  sailing  schooners  prevented 
our  closing  with  him,  until  the  llth,  off  Genesee  river ;  we  carried 
a  breeze  with  us  while  he  lay  becalmed,  to  within  about  three 
fourths  of  a  mile  of  him,  when  he  took  the  breeze,  and  we  had  a 
running  fight  of  three  and  a  half  hours,  but  by  his  superior  sailing, 
he  escaped  me  and  run  into  Amherst  bay  yesterday  morning.  In 
the  course  of  our  chase,  on  the  llth,  I  got  several  broadsides  from 
this  ship  upon  the  enemy,  which  must  have  done  him  considerable 
in^urv,  as  many  of  the  shot  were  seen  to  strike  him,  and  people 


£09 

were  observed  over  the  side,  plugging  shot  holes.  A  few  shot  struck 
our  hull,  and  a  little  rigging  was  cut,  but  nothing  of  importance — 
not  a  man  was  hurt. 

I  was  much  disappointed  that  sir  James  refused  to  fight  me, 
as  he  was  so  much  superior  in  point  of  force,  both  in  guns  and  men, 
having  upwards  of  20  guns  more  than  we  have,  and  heaves  a 
greater  weight  of  shot.  This  ship,  the  Madison,  and  the  Sylph, 
have  each  of  them  a  schooner  constantly  in  tow,  yet  the  others 
cannot  sail  as  fast  as  the  enemy's  squadron,  which  gives  him  de 
cidedly  the  advantage,  and  puts  it  in  his  power  to  engage  me  wheu 
and  how  he  chooses. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

ISAAC  CHATTNCEY. 
Hon.  Wm.  Jones,  Secretary  of  the  Na-vy. 


CANANDAIGUA,  September' 14th,  1813. 
SIR, 

A  large  number  of  the  patriotic  citizens  of  this  and  the  ad 
jacent  towns,  anxious  to  do  their  duty  in  a  crisis  so  interesting  to 
the  nation  in  general,  and  to  this  part  of  the  country  in  particu 
lar,  have  associated  themselves  to  volunteer  their  services  to  the 
United  States  for  the  residue  of  the  campaign  at  least. 

In  order  to  effectuate  their  intentions,  however,  it  will  be  ne 
cessary  that  their  movements  should  receive  your  approbation 
and  sanction,  and  that  they  should  be  assured  of,  that  the  corps, 
whether  a  company,  battalion,  or  (as  is  possible)  a  regiment, 
should  be  received,  organized,  and  countenanced  by  your  order 
and  authority.  The  lateness  of  the  season,  and  the  anxiety  of 
the  members,  induce  us  to  request  an  early  and  authoritative 
reply,  that  the  association  may  be  equipped  according  to  law, 
and  be  useful  to  their  country  this  season.  It  may  not  be  hardly- 
decorous  for  us  to  say  it,  but  we  must  observe,  that  the  subscribers 
will  prove  to  be  obedient  and  brave  soldiers. 

In 'their  behalf,  I  am,  £c. 

DANIEL  RODMAN. 

Major  general  Wilkinson, 

or  the  officer  commanding  at  Fort  George. 


U.  S.  NAVY  YARD,  PORTSMOUTH, 

September  14th,  1833. 

SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  forward  to  you,  by  the  mail,  the  flags  of 
the  late  British  brig  Boxer,  which  were  nailed  to  her  mast  heads 
at  the  time  she  engaged,  and  was  captured  by  the  United  States' 
brig  Enterprize. 

Great  as  the  pleasure  is  that  I  derive  from  performing  this  part 
of  my  duty,  I  need  not  tell  you  how  different  my  feelings  would 
have  been,  could  the  gallant  Burrows  have  had  this  honour ! 
27 


JJe  went  into  action  most  gallantly,  and  the  difference  of  injury 
done  the  two  vessels  proves  how  nobly  he  fought. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

ISAAC  HULL, 

Hon.  Wm.  Jones,  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 


BLACK  ROCK,  September  17th,  1813. 

SIR, 

In  consequence  of  encouragements  from  general  Boyd,  that  a 
general  and  decisive  movement  was  about  to  be  made  by  the  army, 
and  that  an  additional  force  .was  desirable,  we  repaired  to  fort 
George  about  five  weeks  ago,  with  500  men,  consisting  of  volun 
teers,  militia,  and  Indians.  Most  of  us  remained  here  for  twelve  or 
fourteen  days,  but  our  hopes  not  being  realized,  the  men  contin 
ually  dispersed  and  went  home,  not  however  without  expecta 
tions,  again  encouraged  by  generals  Boyd  and  Williams,  that  we 
should  be  shortly  called  on  again  to  aid  in  operations,  which  the 
people  in  this  part  of  the  country,  so  long  harrassed  by  the  calam 
ities  of  war,  feel  so  strong  an  interest  in  forwarding.  Under  sim 
ilar  expectations  many  of  our  friends  in  the  interior  have  intimated 
to  us  their  readiness  to  join  with  respectable  reinforcements  on  the 
shortest  notice  :  and  we  are  informed  that  one  company,  about  70 
strong,  is  actually  on  its  march,  and  will  arrive  here  to-day  or  to 
morrow. 

We  are  at  this  moment  much  at  a  loss  how  to  act,  and  our  dif 
ficulty  is  increased  by  the  various  rumours  and  conjectures  circula 
ted  by  the  different  officers  daily  arriving  from  head  quarters, 
some  of  whom  represent  that  no  offensive  operations  are  to  be  under 
taken  on  this  frontier,  but  that  the  regular  army  is  immediately 
to  be  marched,  either  to  the  east  to  attack  Kingston,  or  to  the  west 
to  join  general  Harrison.  Others  state  that  an  attack  is  to  be 
made  on  the  British  forces  in  the  vicinity  of  this  place. 

Under  these  circumstances,  we  are  induced  to  inquire  of  you 
whether  such  a  force  as  we  have  it  in  our  power  to  raise  is  desired 
by  you  to  effectuate  your  plans,  and  if  so,  in  what  numbers,  and  at 
what  time?  If  your  object  be  to  sally  out  upon  the  enemy  at  fort 
George,  we  could  bring  you  a  respectable  force.  But,  on  the  con 
trary,  if  you  meditate  an  attack  at  some  other  point,  and  the 
withdrawal  of  the  regylar  troops  from  fort  George,  and  placing 
this  frontier  on  the  defensive  only,  by  means  of  militia,  we  would 
observe  that  our  prepared  force  is  of  such  a  character  as  could  not 
be  engaged  in  this  service. 

Upon  the  supposition  that  you  intend  to  withdraw  the  regular 
troops  from  this  frontier,  we  beg  leave  to  submit  a  proposition  for 
your  consideration. 

We  believe  we  are  not  incorrect  in  saying  that  it  would  require 
nearly  quite  as  great  a  force  to  defend  this  line  of  frontier  against 
a  given  force  of  the  enemy,  as  it  would  to  attack  and  subdue  that 


fill 

enemy.  Sir  George  Prevost  has  ordered  the  militia  of  the  uppeY 
province  to  be  called  out  en  masse.  They  are  to  assemble  oh 
Saturday  next.  And  if,  after  your  departure,  the  enemy  opposite 
here  should  take  it  in  his  head  to  retain  all  his  regular  force,  and 
play  off  his  skill  against  the  inexperience  of  our  militia,  we  might 
have  occasion  to  fear  a  repetition  of  former  scenes  in  the  present 
war. 

Our  proposition  (in  case  of  your  leaving  this  place)  is,  that  we 
be  permitted  to  raise,  between  this  and  the  first  of  October,  avol- 
unteer  force  of  from  1,000  to  1,200  men,  exclusive  of  Indians. 
That  we  add  to  it  as  many  of  the  militia  stationed  on  the  lines  as 
may  be  willing  to  join  us.  That  we  be  furnished  with  a  small  train 
(say  4  pieces)  of  field  artillery,  with  experienced  officers  and  men 
to  fight  them  ;  and  that  with  this  force  we  be  authorized  to  invade 
the  enemy's  country. 

Should  you  think  proper  to  confer  such  an  authority  on  us,  and 
direct  that  the  volunteers  shall  be  furnished  with  arms,  ammuni 
tion,  provisions,  &c.  and  receive  pay  while  in  actual  service,  we 
pledge  our  lives  that  before  the  close  of  the  season  we  will  occupy 
the  whole  of  the  valuable  and  populous  peninsula  opposite  this 
river,  and  either  capture,  destroy,  or  disperse  all  the  enemy's  force 
in  this  quarter. 

You  may  perhaps  make  it  convenient  to  send  an  answer  by  the 
bearer,  captain  Hall. 

We  are,  sir,  most  respectfully,  &c. 
PETER  B.  PORTER, 
CYRENIUS  CHAPIN, 
JOSEPH  M.  M'CLURE, 
Major  general  Wilkinson, 


FORT  GEORGE,  September  18th,  1812. 
GENTLEMEN, 

Your  letter  of  yesterday  which  reached  me  last  evening^  givefc 
you  a  claim  to  my  acknowledgments,  and  to  those  of  your  country. 
But  as  I  am  altogether  unauthorized  by  law  or  instruction  to  sanc 
tion  jour  plan  for  the  levy  of  a  body  of  volunteers,  and  as  your 
anticipations,  propositions,  and  suggestions  embrace  a  range  and  a 
character  upon  which  I  have  neither  right  nor  authority  to  delib 
erate,  I  have  considered  it  my  duty  to  transmit  a  copy  of  your  letter 
to  the  secretary  of  war,  now  at  Sackett's  Harbor,  by  express,  for 
his  deliberation  and  decision. 

I  hope  he  may  find  it  convenient  arid  proper  to  meet  your  views^ 
and  have  only  to  add,  that5  you  shall  be  advised  of  his  ansiwei 
\vithout  a  moment's  delay,  after  it  may  reach  my  hands. 

With  high  consideration  and  respect, 

JAMES  WILKINSON 
To  Peter  B.  Porter,  major  Cyreriitto  Ghapm,  and  Joseph  M>  M'Gl«re. 


^Extract  of  a  tetter  from  general  Wilkinson  to  the  Secretary  of 
War,  dated  September  20£/i,  1813. 

"  I  am  well  again,  and  that's  a  good  thing,  for  I  have  been  during 
my  sickness  somewhat  of  a  smell  fungus. 

"  Now  indeed  would  be  a  fine  time  to  slip  into  the  St.  Lawrence 
if  Chauncey  could  keep  sir  James  blockaded  above  Kingston,  and 
command  the  river  below  at  the  same  time,  and  our  preparations 
were  completely  matured,  but  it  is  an  herculean  task  to  extract 
order  from  chaos.  No  time  has  or  shall  be  lost  on  my  part;  but 
we  cannot,  when  prepared  at  all  points,  controul  the  winds.  It 
tvas  last  night  only  the  transports  from  Oswego  arrived ;  and  if  I 
am  not  hardly  opposed  by  weather,  I  hope  I  shall  have  1000  men 
afloat  by  the  26th,  and  complete  my  embarkations  on  the  50th,  after 
which,  until  we  reach  Grenadier  Island,  I  must  look  to  our  squa 
dron  and  the  heavens  for  safety. 

"  Chauncey  tells  me  he  is  liable  to  be  blown  off  from  his  station, 
and  in  such  case  sir  James  may  slip  out  by  him,  but  promises  to 
follow  him.  It  is  material,  to  prevent  the  enemy  from  following 
and  cutting  our  rear,  that  some  competent  force  should  take  post 
on  the  St.  Lawrence  below  Kingston;  and  I  pray  of  you  to  make 
this  arrangement  with  Chauncey.  Before  I  left  Sackett's  Harbor, 
I  ordered  a  dozen  slip  keel  boats  to  carry  50  men  each,  and  to  row 
30  oars,  to  be  armed  with  a  light  cannon  in  their  bow. 

"  This  armament  is  to  sweep  the  St.  Lawrence  of  the  enemy's 
gun  boats,  and  to  take  post  in  advance  when  and  wherever  it  may 
be  advisable.  I  beg  you,  if  necessary  on  your  part,  to  give  effect 
to  this' order. 

"We  have  just  received  advice  confirmatory  of  a  naval  combat  on 
lake  Erie,  in  which  it  is  said  Perry  has  taken  the  whole  British 
squadron  on  the  10th  instant,  and  brought  the  vessels  into  "  Put- 
iiey  harbor  at  the  islands" — his  own  vessel,  the  Lawrence,  barely 
capable  of  being  floated.  The  action  lasted  six  hours.  This  will 
cancel  your  news  from  our  commodore. 

"The  enclosed  letter  from  general  M'Clure  breathes  a  good  spi 
rit,  but  he  will  not  be  up  for  several  days.  In  the  mean  time  I 
shall  prepare  his ,  orders,  to  be  ready  to  give  him  the  command. 

"  A  body  of  horse,  a  small  one  at  that  point  where  the  fate  of  the 
island  is  to  be  decided  by  combat  (for  believe  not  that  we  shall  get 
possession  of  Montreal  without  a  battle)  will  be  invaluable.  Burn 
has  been  ordered  hence  sometime  before  my  arrival,  to  recruit  his 
cavalry  and  prepare  them  for  action,  and  I  shall  order  him  by 
express  to-morrow  to  incline  by  indirect  dilatory  marches  towards 
Hamilton,  there  to  look  for  further  orders,  somewhere  about  Ant 
werp  or  that  quarter.  From  Denmark  or  Champion  he  is  to 
advise  the  commanding  officer  at  Sackett's  Harbor  of  his  move 
ments. 

"  De  Rottenberg  is  under  the  full  belief  that  I  mean  to  attack  him, 
and  I  shall  keep  up  the  delusion  as  long  as  possible. 


213 

ic  The  snail's  pace  of  the  reinforcements  approaching  this  divi  - 
sion,  and,  pardon  me,  their  direction  and  route  occasion  me  sur 
prize.  Of  what  avail  will  be  the  detachments  under  colonels 
Randolph  and  Coles,  which  are,  I  learn  from  Washington,  on 
their  march  to  this  place,  where  they  cannot,  or  will  not  arrive 
before  the  15th  proximo.  If  these  detachments  had  been  ordered 
on  by  all  the  available  water  communications  from  Annapolis  to 
Albany,  the y  could  have  reached  Sackett's  Harbor  in  season,  and  a 
column  of  800  men  would  have  been  found  an  important  desidera 
tum  in  our  impending  operations.  Where  also  are  the  1000  men 
reported  to  me  by  colonel  Duane  as  being  ready  for  march  before 
I  reached  Philadelphia?  I  must  hope  near  Sackett's  Harbor.  I 
put  these  questions  to  you  that  I  may  apprize  you  of  facts,  that 
you,  with  whom  it  rests,  may  apply  the  remedy,  for  I  find  we 
possess  little  military  subordination  or  respect,  and  that  a  chief 
of  an  army  is  obeyed  more  from  courtesy  than  principle  or  pro 
fessional  obligations. 

"  I  send  this  by  the  privateer  Fox  to  commodore  Chauncey,  with 
a  request  that  he  accelerate  its  progress  to  you.  This  place 
neither  stops  a  gap,  extends  our  possessions,  nor  covers  or  pro 
tects  a  country;  it  is  good  for  nought,  but  to  command  the  ground 
it  occupies,  and  therefore  I  shall  dismantle  and  abandon  it." 


Extract  of  a  letter  from  the  Secretary  of  War,  to  general  IVil . 
kinson,  dated 

SACKETT'S  HARBOR,  September  22d,  1813. 

DEAR  GENERAL, 

"Your  letters  of  the  16th,  17th,  and  18th  instant,  have  been 
this  moment  received ;  I  hasten  to  answer  them.  The  main  ob 
ject  must  be  prosecuted;  Chauncey  is  not  broken  down  ;  he  can 
and  will  command  the  lake,  and  while  he  does  so,  our  position  at 
Fort  George  maybe  maintained.  If  the  enemy's  sick  list  amounts' 
to  one  thousand  four  hundred  out  of  three  thousand,  the  enemy 
can  undertake  nothing  with  effect.  In  this  view  of  the  subject, 
olose  with  P.  B.  Porter's  proposition,  made  in  the  following  words, 
viz:  '  Our  proposition  (in  case  of  your  leaving  this  place)  is,  that 
we  be  permitted  to  raise,  between  this  and  the  1st  of  October,  a 
volunteer  force  of  from  one  thousand  to  one  thousand  two  hun 
dred  men,  exclusive  of  Indians;  that  we  add  to  it  as  many  of  the 
militia  stationed  on  the  lines  as  may  be  willing  to  join  us ;  that  we 
be  furnished  witli  a  small  train  (say  four  pieces  of  field  artillery 
with  experienced  officers  and  men  to  fight  them)  and  that  with 
this  force  we  be  authorized  to  invade  the"  enemy's  country.'  Rod- 
man's  corps  may  join  Porter.  Any  volunteers  you  may  have 
with  the  army,  whose  times  are  near  expiring,  and  who  are  de 
sirous  of  continuing  in  service,  may  do  so  also.  We  will  cover 


214 

the  whole  by  a  requisition  upon  governor  Tompkins  tor  additional 
militia.  The  enemy's  fleet  have  left  the  Chesapeake,  I  believe  for 
Halifax,  whence  the  land  troops  are  to  be  sent  into  Canada : 
another  motive  for  quick  movements. 

"  Mj  last  letters  by  Chauncey  of  the  18th  or  19th,  gave  you 
all  we  yet  know.  Prevost  has  left  Kingston,  it  is  said  for  Que- 
beck ;  more  probably  for  Montreal. 

"  Yours  faithfully  and  forever, 
"  JOHN  ARMSTRONG." 


Extract  of  a  letter  from  major  general  Harrison  to  the  Secretary 
of  War,  dated 

"HEAD  QUARTERS,  BASS  ISLAND,  September 22d,  1813. 

"  The  greater  part  of  the  troops  are  here  with  me,  and  the 
whole  will,  I  believe,  be  up  by  twelve  o'clock.  I  shall  proceed 
as  far  as  the  Middle  Sister  in  the  course  of  the  night  and  to-mor 
row,  and  in  the  following  night  get  so  near  the  enemy's  coast  as 
to  land- two  or  three  miles  below  Maiden  by  eight  o'clock  in  the 
morning.  These  prospects  may,  however,  be  retarded  by  adverse 
winds.  Commodore  Perry  gives  me  every  assistance  in  his  pow 
er." 


HEAD  QUARTERS,  AMHERSTBURG, 

September  23d,  1813. 

SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  inform  you  that  I  landed  the  army 
under  my  command,  about  three  miles  below  this  place,  at  three 
o'clock  this  morning,  without  opposition,  and  took  possession  of 
the  town  in  an  hour  after.  General  Proctor  has  retreated  to 
Sandwich,  with  his  regular  troops  and  Indians,  having  previously 
burned  the  fort,  navy  yard,  barracks,  and  public  store  houses — 
the  two  latter  were  very  extensive,  covering  several  acres  of 
ground.  I  will  pursue  the  enemy  to-morrow,  although  there  is  no 
probability  of  overtaking  him,  as  he  has  upwards  of  1000  horses, 
and  we  have  not  one  in  the  army.  I  shall  think  myself  fortunate 
to  be  able  to  collect  a  sufficiency  to  mount  the  general  officers. 
It  is  supposed  here,  that  general  Proctor  intends  to  establish  him 
self  upon  the  river  French,  forty  miles  from  Maiden. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

WILLIAM  II.  HARRISON/ 
The  Secretary  of  War. 


215 

U.  S.  SCHOONER  ARIEL, 

Put-in-Bay,  September  24th,  1813, 

SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  acquaint  you  that  about  1200  troops 
were  yesterday  transported  to  a  small  island,  distant  about  four 
leagues  from  Maiden,  notwithstanding  it  blew  hard,  with  frequent 
squalls.  This  day,  although  the  weather  is  not  settled,  the 
squadron  will  again  take  over  as  many  more.  We  only  wait  for 
favourable  weather  to  make  a  final  move.  I  need  not  assure  you, 
sir,  that  every  possible  exertion  will  be  made  by  the  officers  and 
men  under  my  command  to  assist  the  advance  of  the  army ;  and 
it  affords  me  great  pleasure  to  have  it  in  my  power  to  say,  that 
the  utmost  harmony  prevails  between  the  army  and  navy. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

O.  H.  PERRY. 

Hon.  Wm.  Jones,  Secretary  ef  the  Navy. 


NASHVILLE,  September  24th,  1813. 
SIR, 

You  will  forthwith  call  out,  to  rendezvous  in  the  shortest 
practicable  time,  at  Fayetteville,  Lincoln  county,  2000  of  the 
militia  and  volunteers  of  your  division,  and  march  them  to  repel 
an  approaching  invasion  and  attack,  to  be  made  by  the  Creek  In 
dians  on  the  frontier  of  Madison  county,  M.  T.  and  the  frontier 
of  this  state ;  which  information  I  have  this  moment  received,  by 
express,  from  captain  M'Clellan,  of  the  United  States'  army,  com 
manding  officer  at  fort  Hampton,  communicated  under  cover  of  a 
letter  received  from  captain  Brahan,  of  Huntsville.  The  United 
States'  contractor  will,  by  your  order,  furnish  provisions,  and  W. 
B.  Lewis,  esquire,  assistant  deputy  quarter  master,  will  furnish 
ammunition  and  other  necessary  supplies  in  his  department.  You 
will  require  the  muster  master,  or  inspector,  colonel  R.  Hayes,  to 
muster  the  troops  into  service.  Delay  is  inadmissible.  You  will 
observe  my  order  of  the  14th  August  last. 

Your  obedient  servant, 

WILLIE  BLOUNT. 
Major  general  Andrew  Jackson, 

3d  division  Tennessee  militia. 


U.  S.  SHIP  GENERAL  PIKE,  NIAGARA  RIVER, 

September  25th,  1813. 

SIR, 

After  I  had  the  honour  of  addressing  you  on  the  15th,  I  con 
tinued  to  blockade  the  enemy  until  the  17th,  when  the  wind 
blowing  heavy  from  the  westward,  the  enemy  having  run  into 
Kingston,  and  knowing  that  he  could  not  move  from  that  place 


216 


into 


before  a  change  of  wind,  I  took  the  opportunity  of  running  i 
Sackett's  Harbour. 

I  remained  but  a  few  hours  at  the  Harbour  and  left  it  at  day- 
Jight  on  the  morning  of  the  18th,  but  did  not  arrive  here  until 
yesterday,  owing  to  continual  head  winds,  not  having  laid  our 
course  during  the  passage.  On  the  19th  I  saw  the  enemy's  fleet 
near  the  False  Ducks,  but  took  no  notice  of  him,  as  I  wished  him 
to  follow  me  up  the  lake. 

There  is  a  report  here,  and  generally  believed,  that  captain 
Perry  has  captured  the  «vhole  of  the  enemy's  fleet  on  lake  Erie. 
If  this  should  prove  true  in  all  its  details,  (and  God  grant  that  it 
may)  he  has  immortalized  himself  and  not  disappointed  the  high 
expectations  formed  of  his  talents  and  bravery. 

I  have  learnt,  from  a  source  which  can  be  depended  upon,  that 
we  did  the  enemy  much  more  injury,  in  our  encounter  on  the  llth, 
than  I  had  expected  :  I  find  that  we  killed  captain  Mulcaster,  of 
the  Royal  George,  and  a  number  of  his  men,  and  did  considerable 
injury  to  that  ship,  as  well  as  several  other  vessels.  It  was  truly 
unfortunate  that  we  could  not  have  brought  the  enemy  to  a  general 
action  on  that  day,  as  I  am  confident  the  victory  would  have  been 
as  complete  as  that  upon  lake  Erie.  I  have,  however,  the  conso 
lation  to  know,  that  every  exertion  was  used  to  bring  him  to  close 
action.  If  we  did  not  succeed,  it  was  not  our  fault. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

ISAAC  CHAUNCEY. 

Hon.  William  Jones, 

Secretary  of  the  Navy,  Washington. 


GENERAL  ORDERS 
Of  Debarkation,  of  March,  and  of  Battle. 

HEAD  QUARTERS,  ON  BOARD  THE  U.  S.  SCHOONER  ARIEL, 

September  2fllh,  1813. 

As  it  is  the  intention  of  the  general  to  land  the  army  on  the 
enemy's  coast,  the  following  will  be  the  order  of  debarkation,  of 
march,  and  of  battle : 

The  right  wing  of  the  army  will  be  composed  of  the  Kentucky 
volunteers,  under  the  command  of  his  excellency  governor  Shel 
by,  acting  as  major  general.  The  left  wing,  of  the  light  corps  of 
lieutenant  colonel  Ball,  and  the  brigades  of  generals  M'Arthur 
and  Cass.  The  arrangement  is  made  with  a  view  to  the  localities 
of  the  ground,  upon  which  the  troops  are  to  act,  and  the  composi 
tion  of  the  enemy's  force,  and  is  calculated,  in  marching  up  the 
lake  or  straight,  to  place  our  regular  troops  in  the  open  ground  on 
the  lake,  where  they  will  probably  be  opposed  by  the  British  regu 
lars,  and  the  Kentucky  volunteers  in  the  woods,  which  it  is  pre- 


217 

turned  will  be  occupied  by  the  enemy's  militia  and  Indians. 
When  the  signal  is  given  for  putting  to  the  shore,  the  corps  of 
lieutenant  colonel  Ball  will  precede  the  left  wing  :  the  regiment 
of  volunteer  riflemen  the  right  wing :  these  corps  will  land  with 
the  utmost  celerity,  consistent  with  the  preservation  of  good  or 
der,  and  as  soon  as  landed,  will  seize  the  most  favourable  position 
for  annoying  the  enemy  and  covering  the  disembarkation  of  the 
troops  01  the  liiie.  General  Cass's  brigade  will  follow  colonel 
Ball's  corps,  and  general  Calmes  the  volunteer  riflemen.  The 
regiments  will  land  and  form  in  succession  upon  those  which 
precede  them.  The  right  wing,  with  its  left  in  front,  displaying 
to  the  right;  and  the  left  wing  with  its  right  in  front,  displaying 
to  the  left.  The  brigades  of  generals  King,  Allen,  and  Caldwell, 
will  form  successively  to  the  right  of  general  Calmes.  General 
M' Arthur  and  Childs's  brigades  will  form  the  reserve.  The  gej| 
neral  will  command  in  person,  the  right  brigades  of  generals 
Cass  and  Calmes,  assisted  by  major  general  Henry.  His  excel 
lency  governor  Shelby  will  have  the  immediate  command  of  three 
brigades  on  the  right,  assisted  by  major  general  Desha.  As  soon 
as  the  troops  are  disembarked,  the  boats  are  to  be  immediately 
sent  back  to  the  fleet.  It  will  be  observed  that  the  order  of  land 
ing,  here  prescribed,  is  somewhat  that  of  direct  eschelons  de 
ployed  into  line  upon  the  advanced  corps  of  the  right  and  left 
wing.  It  is  the  intention  of  the  general,  however,  that  all  the 
troops  which  are  provided  with  boats,  should  land  in  as  quiet 
succession  as  possible  ;  and  the  general  officers  command  towards 
the  extremities  of  the  line,  are  authorized  to  deviate  from  the  ar 
rangement  to  counteract  any  movement  of  the  enemy,  by  landing 
any  part  of  their  commands,  previously  to  the  formation  of  the 
corps,  which  is  herein  directed  to  precede  them.  The  corps  of 
lieutenant  colonel  Ball,  and  the  volunteer  rifle  regiment,  will 
maintain  the  position  they  occupy  on  landing,  until  the  troops  of 
the  line  are  formed  to  support  them  ;  they  will  then  retire  through 
the  intervals  of  the  line,  or  to  the  flanks,  and  form  in  the  rear  of 
the  line. 

A  detachment  of  artillery,  with  a  six,  four,  and  three  pounder 
and  howitzer,  will  land  with  the  advanced  light  corps ;  the  rest 
of  the  artillery  will  be  held  in  reserve,  and  landed  at  such  point 
as  major  Wood  may  direct. 

The  point  of  landing  for  the  reserve,  under  brigadier  general 
M'Arthur,  cannot  now  be  designated  ;  it  will  be  made  to  support 
any  point  of  the  line  which  may  require  aid,  or  be  formed  on  the 
flanks,  as  circumstances  may  render  necessary.  The  arrange 
ment  for  landing  the  troops,  will  be  made  entirely  under  the  di 
rection  of  an  officer  of  the  navy,  whom  commodore  Perry  has 
been  so  obliging  as  to  offer  for  that  purpose.  The  debarkation  of 
the  troops  will  be  covered  by  the  cannon  of  the  vessels.  The 
troops  being  landed,  and  the  enemy  driven  off,  or  not  opposing 
the  landing,  the  army  will  change  its  front  to  the  left,  and  form 
28 


218 

in  order  of  battle  in  the  following  manner.  The  two  brigades  of 
regular  troops,  and  two  of  the  volunteers,  to  be  formed  in  two 
lines  at  right  angles  to  the  shore  of  the  lake.  Generals  M'  Arthur's 
brigade  and  Cahnes  to  form  the  front  line,  and  Cass's  and  Childs's 
the  second  line ;  the  regular  troops  still  on  the  left ;  that  flank  of 
both  lines,  resting  on  the  shore, — the  distance  between  the  two 
lines  will  be  300  yards.  The  remaining  three  brigades  of  volun 
teers  will  be  drawn  up  in  a  single  line  of  two  ranks,  at  right 
angles  to  the  line  of  march,  its  head  upon  the  right  of  the  front 
line,  forming  a  crotchet  (en  potence)  with  that  line,  and  extending 
beyond  the  second  line.  The  corps  of  lieutenant  colonel  Ball 
will  form  the  advance  of  the  left  wing,  at  the  distance  of  500 
yards,  the  regiment  of  rifle  volunteers,  the  advance  of  the  right 
wing,  at  the  same  distance. 

Some  light  pieces  of  artillery  will  be  placed  in  the  road  lead 
ing  up  the  lake,  and  at  such  other  points  as  major  Wood  may 
direct.  When  the  order  is  given  for  marching,  the  first  and 
second  lines  will  advancebv  files  from  the  heads  of  companies: 
in  other  words,  these  two  lines  will  form  two  columns,  marching 
by  their  flanks  by  companies  at  entire  distances.  The  three  bri 
gades  on  the  right  flank  will  be  faced  to  the  left  and  marched 
Forward — the  head  of  this  column  still  forming  en  potence  with 
the  front  line.  It  is  probable  that  the  two  brigades  of  the  front 
line  will  extend  from  the  lake,  some  distance  into  the  woods,  on 
the  right  flank,  and  it  is  desirable  it  should  be  so:  but  should  it 
be  otherwise,  and  the  crotchet  or  angle  be  at  any  time  on  the 
open  ground,  his  excellency  governor  Shelby  will  immediately 
prolong  the  front  line  to  the  right,  by  adding  to  it  as  many  com 
panies  of  the  leading  brigade  of  the  flank  column  as  will  bring 
the  angle,  and  consequently  the  flank  column  itself,  completely 
within  the  woods.  It  is  to  be  presumed  that  the  enemy  will 
make  their  attack  upon  the  army  on  its  inarch,  that  their  regular 
troops  will  form  their  right  upon  the  lake,  their  militia  occupy  the 
ground  between  the  regulars  and  the  woods,  and  the  Indians  the 
woods.  The  formation  herein  prescribed  is  intended  to  resist  an 
arrangement  of  this  kind.  Should  the  general's  conjecture  on 
1hat  subject  prove  correct,  as  it  must  be  evident  that  the  right  of 
the  enemy  cannot  be  turned,  and  on  that  wing  his  best  troops 
must  be  placed,  it  will  be  proper  to  refuse  him  our  left,  and  direct 
our  principal  effort  to  uncover  the  flank  of  his  regulars  by  driving 
off  his  militia.  In  the  event  supposed,  therefore,  it  will  be  pro 
per  to  bring  up  a  part  or  the  whole  of  general  Cass's  brigade,  to 
assist  the  charge  made  by  general  Calmes,  or  that  the  former 
should  change  positions  with  the  brigade  of  volunteers  in  the 
second  line.  Should  the  (general  think  it  safe  to  order  the  whole 
of  Cass's  brigade  to  the  right,  without  replacing  it  with  another, 
general  Cass  will  inarch  to  the  right,  formed  in  oblique  eschelons 
of  companies.  It  will  be  the  business  of  general  M'Arthur,  in 
the  event  of  his  wing  being  refused  to  watch  the  motions  of  the  ene- 


my,  with  the  'assistance  of  the  artillery,  to  prevent  his  front  lino 
at  least  from  interrupting  the  progress  of  our  right.  Should  the 
enemy's  militia  be  defeated,  the  brigade  of  ours  in  advance  will 
immediately  wheel  upon  the  flank  ot  the  British  regulars,  and  gen 
eral  M* Arthur  will  advance  to  attack  them  in  front.  In  the  mean 
time,  his  excellency  governor  Shelby  can  use  the  brigade  in  re 
serve  of  the  second  line  to  prolong  the  flank  line  from  its  front 
or  left,  or  to  reinforce  any  weak  part  of  the  line.  In  all  cases 
where  troops  in  advance  are  obliged  to  retire  through  those  who 
are  advancing  to  support  them,  it  will  be  done  by  companies  in 
files,  which  will  retire  through  the  intervals  of  the  advancing  line, 
and  will  immediately  form  in  rear.  The  light  troops  will  be  par 
ticularly  governed  by  this  direction. 

The  disposition  of  the  troops  on  the  right  flank  is  such  as  the- 
commanding  general  thinks  best  calculated  to  resist  an  attack  from 
Indians,  which  is  only  to  be  expected  from  that  quarter.  His  excel 
lency  governor  Shelby  will,  however,  use  his  discretion  in  making 
any  alteration  which  his  experience  and  judgment  ma}  dictate. 
Lieutenant  colonel  Ball,  lieutenant  colonel  Simral,  and  the  gen 
eral  officers  commanding  on  the  flank  line,  are  to  send  out  small 
detachments  in  advance  of  the  two  former  corps,  arid  to  the  flank 
of  the  latter.  Should  they  discover  the  enemy  in  force,  immedi 
ately  notice  will  be  sent  to  the  lines.  The  general  commanding 
on  the  spot  will  immediately  order  the  signals  for  forming  in  order 
of  battle,  which  will  be  the  beat  "  to  arms." 

All  signals  will  be  immediately  repeated  by  all  the  drums  of 
the  line — the  signal  for  the  whole  to  halt,  is  the  retreat.  Drums 
will  be  distributed  along  the  heads  of  companies,  and  the  taps 
occasionally  given  to  regulate  their  march. 

Lieutenant  colonels  Ball  and  Simral  are  to  keep  the  general 
constant!}'  advised  of  the  discoveries  made  by  the  advanced  par 
ties.  Where  it  shall  become  necessary  for  the  corps  of  Ball  and 
Simral  to  retire,  they  will  form  on  the  flank  or  in  the  rear  of 
generals  M*  Arthur's  and  Calmes's  brigades,  and  receive  the  orders 
of  the  brigadiers  respectively. 

Brigadier  general  Cass  will  designate  such  officers  as  he  may 
deem  proper,  to  assist  captain  Elliott,  of  the  navy,  in  the  arrange 
ment  of  the  troops.  The  general  will  be  the  signal  for  the  whole, 
to  move.  By  command, 

EDMUND  P.  GAINES,  Col.  Adj.  Gen, 
Truly  copied  from  the  original. 

ROBERT  BUTTLER,  ^  Mj.  Gen. 


NIAGARA,  September  27th,  1813,  6  o'clock.  A.  M. 

BEAR  SIR, 

I  received,  at  eight  o'clock  last  evening,  your  interesting  letter 
of  the  22d,  and  shall  employ  its  authorizations  to  the  best  pos 
sible  etYecti 


229 

fifteen  hundred  men  were  embarked  with  orders  t0  sail  the 
day  before  yesterday,  bat  a  strong  easterly  wind  has  made  it  im 
possible  to  move. 

The  whole  force,  say  three  thousand  combatants,  after  deduct- 
ting  the  garrisons  of  Fort  George  and  Niagara,  were  ready  for 
embarkation  yesterday,  and  as  the  weather  is  serene  at  this  mo 
ment,  I  hope  the  whole  may  be  able  to  move  at  dusk  this  day  :  I 
say  at  dusk  because  I  am  desirous  to  keep  my  neighbours  under 
a  delusion  as  long  as  possible ;  they  are  perplexed  as  to  my  inten 
tions,  and  will  not  be  able  to  penetrate  them  before  they  have 
discovered  the  course  of  my  flotilla. 

I  have  authentic  information  from  York  the  evening  of  the  24th 
instant.  The  brigade  of  the  militia  in  the  vicinity  were  required 
to  assemble  the  25th,  and  six  hundred  men  of  the  41st  and  49th 
regiments,  second  battalion,  were  daily  expected  there  on  their 
route  to  this  neighborhood :  this  is  good  ;  and  still  better,  three 
spacious  block  houses  are  ordered  by  sir  George  to  be  erected 
at  York. 

But,  sir,  here  is  one  drawback ;  the  tantalizing  sir  James  Yeo 
was  in  shore  with  his  fleet  on  the  evening  of  the  24th,  (Friday) 
about  twenty-eight  miles  east  of  York*  Where  he  is  now,  we  know 
not,  for  he  has  not  since  been  heard  of,  and  Chauncey  is  just 
sending  out  the  Lady  of  the  Lake  and  the  Neptune  to  reconnoitre 
York  and  the  coast  in  that  quarter.  What  may  be  the  views 
of  the  knight  ?  to  gasconade,  to  retard  my  movement,  or  to  en 
able  De  Rottenberg  to  follow  me?  I  am  unable  to  divine  ;  but 
will  not  be  longer  delayed,  and,  therefore,  shall  be  twenty  miles  to 
the  eastward  before  to-morrow  morning,  should  the  weather  per 
mit.  If  sir  James  can  be  discovered,  Chauncey  will  seek  him, 
otherwise  he  will  sail  with  me  to  cover  my  left  flank. 

As  we  have  not  a  moment  to  lose,  I  shall  proceed  directly  to 
Grenadier  Island,  writing  you  and  sending  orders  to  the  com 
manding  officer  by  a  despatch  boat,  en  passant. 

After  all,  we  are  so  straitened  for  transport  that  we  shall  not 
find  room  for  more  than  fifteen  day's  provisions  ;  indeed,  we  have 
little  more  to  spare  from  this  position,  and  therefore,  our  sole  de 
pendence  must  be  on  the  magazines  at  Sackett's  Harbor,  of  which 
the  contractor  should  be  personally  advised.  Heaven  protect  you. 

Truly  yours, 

JAMES  WILKINSON. 
Honourable  John  Armstrong', 

Secretary  of'  War. 


U.  S.  SCHOONER  ARTPL,  MALDEN  HARBOR, 

September  27th,  1813,  5  P.  M, 
SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  acquaint  you,  that  the  army  under 
major  general  Harrison,  have  this  moment  inarched  into  Maiden,, 


£21 

without  opposition,  and  that  the  squadron  are  now  at  anchor  oft' 
the  town. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

O.  H.  PERRY. 

The  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 


U.  S.  FRIGATE  PRESIDENT, 

Newport,  -:eptember27tli,  181,). 
SIR, 

Your  having  been  informed  of  my  leaving  Boston  on  the  23d 
of  April  last,  and  of  my  departure  from  President  Roads  in  com 
pany  with  the  Congress,  on  the  30th  of  the  same  month ;  it  now- 
only  remains  for  me  to  make  you  acquainted  with  my  proceedings 
since  the  latter  date. 

In  a  few  hours  after  getting  to  sea,  the  wind,  which  had  been 
light  from  the  westward,  shifted  to  the  south-east  and  obliged  me 
to  beat,  consequently  prevented  our  getting  clear  of  the  bay  until 
the  3d  of  May,  when,  in  the  afternoon,  while  in  chase  of  a  British 
brig  of  war,  near  the  shoal  of  George's  Bank,  we  passed  to  wind 
ward  of  three  sail,  two  of  which,  from  their  appearance  and  the 
information  previously  received,  I  judged  to  be  the  La  Hogue 
74,  and  Nymphe  frigate,  and  the  third  a  merchant  brig.  After 
getting  clear  of  George's  Bank  the  wind  veered  to  the  north -east 
ward,  and  we  continued  along  east-southerly,  in  the  direction  of 
the  southern  edge  of  the  gulf  stream  until  the  8th  of  May,  iu 
longitude  60  west,  latitude  39  SO  north,  when  I  parted  company 
with  the  Congress.  After  parting  company  I  shaped  a  course  as 
near  as  the  wind  would  permit,  to  intercept  the  enemy's  West 
India  commerce  passing  to  the  southward  of  the  Grand  Bank* 
Not  meeting  with  any  tiling  in  this  direction  except  American  ves 
sels  from  Lisbon  and  Cadiz,  I  next  pursued  a  route  to  the  north 
ward  on  a  parallel  writh  the  eastern  edge  of  the  Grand  Bank,  so 
as  to  cross  the  tracks  of  his  West  India,  Halifax,  Quebec,  and  St. 
John's  trade.  In  this  route,  experiencing  constant  thick  fogs  for 
a  number  of  days,  and  not  meeting  any  thing,  after  reaching  the 
latitude  of  48  north,  I  steered  to  the  south-east  towards  the  Azores, 
off  which,  in  different  directions,  I  continued  until  the  6th  of 
June,  without  meeting  a  single  enemy's  vessel,  or  any  others, 
except  two  Americans.  At  this  time  tailing  in  with  an  American 
ship  bound  to  Cadiz,  and  receiving  information  that  she  had,  four 
days  before,  passed  an  enemy's  convoy  from  the  West  Indie* 
bound  to  England,  I  crowded  sail  to  the  north -east,  and,  although, 
disappointed  in  falling  in  with  the  convoy,  I  nevertheless  made 
four  captures,  between  the  9th  and  13th  of  June* 

Being  now  in  the  latitude  of  46  north,  and  longitude  28  west,  I 
determined  on  going  into  the  North  Sea,  and  accordingly  shaped 
a  course  that  afforded  a  prospect  of  falling  in  with  vessels  bound 
t&  Newfoundland  from.  St.  George's  channel,  by  the  way  of  Cape. 


222 

Clear,  as  well  as  others  that  might  pass  north  about  to  the  north 
ward  of  Ireland.  To  my  astonishment,  however,  in  all  this  route 
I  did  not  meet  with  a  single  vessel,  until  I  made  the  Shetland 
Islands,  and  even  off' there,  nothing  but  Danish  vessels  trading  to 
England  under  British  licenses.  At  the  time  I  reached  the  Shet 
land  Islands,  a  considerable  portion  of  my  provisions  and  water 
being:  expended,  it  became  necessary  to  replenish  these,  previous 
to  determining  what  course  to  pursue  next ;  and  I  accordingly, 
for  this  purpose,  put  into  North  Bergen  on  the  27th  of  June  ;  but, 
much  to  my  surprise  and  disappointment,  was  not  able  to  obtain 
any  tiling  but  water,  there  bein«;  an  unusual  scarcity  of  bread  in 
every  part  of  Norway,  and,  at  the  time,  not  more  in  Bergen  than 
a  bare  sufficiency  for  its  inhabitants  for  four  or  five  weeks.  This 
being  the  case,  after  replenishing  my  water,  I  departed  on  the  2d 
of  July  arid  stretched  over  towards  the  Orkney  Islands,  and  from 
thence  towards  North  Cape,  for  the  purpose  of  intercepting  a 
convoy  of  25  or  30  sail,  which  it  was  said  would  leave  Archangel 
about  the  middle  of  July,  under  the  protection  of  two  brigs  or  two 
sloops  of  war;  and  which  was  further  confirmed  by  two  vessels  I 
captured  on  the  13th  and  18th  of  the  same  month.  In  this  object, 
however,  the  enemy  had  the  good  fortune  to  disappoint  me,  by  a 
line  of  battle  ship  and  a  frigate  making  their  appearance  off  the 
North  Cape  on  the  19th  of  July,  just  as  I  was  in  momentary 
expectation  of  meeting  the  convoy.  On  first  discovering  the 
enemy's  two  ships  of  war,  not  being  able,  owing  to  the  haziness 
of  the"  weather,  to  ascertain  their  character  with  precision,  I  stood 
toward  them,  until  making  out  what  they  were,  I  hauled  by  the 
wind  on  the  opposite  tack  to  avoid  them;  but  owing  to  faint, 
variable  winds,  calms,  and  entire  day -light,  (the  sun  in  that  lati  \ 
tude,  at  that  season,  appearing  at  midnight  several  degrees  above 
the  horizon)  they  were  enabled  to  continue  the  chase  upwards  of 
80  hours;  during  which  time,  owing  to  different  changes  of  the 
wind  in  their  favour,  they  were  brought  quite  as  near  to  us  as 
was  desirable.  At  the  time  of  meeting  with  the  enemy's  two 
ships,  the  privateer  schooner  Scourge,  of  New  York,  which  I  had 
fallen  in  with  the  day  before,  was  in  company ;  but  their  attention 
was  so  much  engrossed  by  the  President  that  they  permitted  the 
Scourge  to  escape  without  appearing  to  take  any  notice  of  her. 

Being  thus  disappointed  in  meeting  the  convoy,  and  a  still 
further 'portion  of  my  provisions  being  expended,  I  determined  to 
proceed  to  a  more  westerly  station,  and  accordingly  steered  to 
wain  the  direction  of  the  trade  passing  out  of,  and  into,  the  Irish 
channel.  In  this  position,  between  the  25th  of  July  and  the  2d 
of  August,  I  made  three  captures,  when,  finding  that  the  enemy 
had  a  superior  force  in  that  vicinity,  I  found  it  expedient  to 
change  vnv  ground  ;  and  after  taking  a  circuit  round  Ireland,  and 
getting  into  the  latitude  of  Cape  Clear,  steered  for  the  banks  of 
Newfoundland,  near  to  which'l  made  two  more  captures,  and  by 
the  latter  one  found  that  the  Bellerophon  74,  and  Hyperion  frigate 


223 

were  on  the  eastern  part  of  the  bank,  and  only  a  few  miles  to  the 
westward  of  rue  ;  I  however  did  not  fall  in  with  them.  From  the 
eastern  edge  of  the  Grand  Bank,  to  which  I  had  beat  all  the  way 
from  the  north-west  coast  of  Ireland,  (the  wind  having  prevailed, 
without  intermission,  from  the  1st  of  August  to  the  middle  of 
September  from  west  to  southwest)  I  steered  for  the  United 
States,  without  seeing  a  single  vessel  of  any  kind  until  the  22d  of 
the  present  month,  being  near  the  south  shoal  of  Nan  tucket,  1  met 
with  a  Swedish  brig  and  an  American  cartel  (the  Russian  ship 
Hoffhung)  from  London,  bound  to  New-Medford. 

By  this  time  my  provisions,  and  particularly  bread,  was  so 
nearly  consumed  as  to  make  it  indispensably  necessary  that  I 
should  put  into  the  first  convenient  port  after  gaining  the  requi 
site  information  of  the  disposition  of  the  enemy's  cruizers,  as 
could  enable  me  to  steer  clear  of  a  superior  force  ;  and  this  I  was 
enabled  to  do  in  a  manner  which  I  shall  communicate  in  another 
letter.  On  the  23d  instant  I  captured  his  Britannic  majesty's 
schooner  High  Flyer,  (a  tender  to  admiral  Warren)  with  which 
vessel  I  now  have  to  inform  you  of  my  arrival  at  this  port. 

Annexed  is  a  list  of  vessels  captured  and  destroyed,  in  which 
were  made  271  prisoners.  I  have  now,  however,  only  55  prison 
ers  on  board,  having  sent  to  England,  on  parole,  78  in  the  Duke  of 
Montrose  ;  76  in  the  Greenland  ship,  Eliza  Swan,  and  60  in  the 
barque  Lion,  of  Liverpool. 

During  my  cruize,  although  I  have  not  had  it  in  my  power  to 
add  any  additional  lustre  to  the  character  of  our  little  navy,  I 
have,  nevertheless,  rendered  essential  service  to  my  country,  I 
hope,  by  harrassing  the  enemy's  commerce,  and  employing  to  his 
disadvantage,  more  than  a  dozen  times,  the  force  of  a  single  fri 
gate. 

My  officers  and  crew  have  experienced  great  privations  since  I 
left  the  United  States,  from  being  nearly  5  months  at  sea,  and 
living  the  last  three  months  of  that  time  upon  a  scanty  allowance 
of  the  roughest  fare;  and  it  is  with  peculiar  pleasure  I  acquaint 
you  that  they  are  all  in  better  health  than  might  be  expected, 
although  you  may  well  suppose  that  their  scanty  allowance  has 
not  been  of  any  advantage  to  their  strength  or  appearance. 

The  High  Flyer  was  commanded  by  lieutenant  Hutchinson, 
second  of  the  St.  Domingo.  She  is  a  remarkable  line  vessel  of  her 
class,  sails  very  fast,  and  would  make  an  excellent  light  cruizer, 
provided  the  government  have  occasion  for  a  vessel  of  her  descrip 
tion. 

Just  at  the  moment  of  closing  my  letter,  a  newspaper  has  been 
handed  me  containing  captain  Broke's  challenge  to  my  late  gallant 
friend  captain  Lawrence,  in  which  he  mentions,  with  considerable 
emphasis,  the  pains  he  had  taken  to  meet  the  President  and  Con 
gress  with  the  Shannon  and  Tenedos. 

It  is  unnecessary  at  present  to  take  further  notice  of  captain 
Broke's  observations  than  to  say,  if  that  was  his  disposition,  his 


224 

conduct  was  »•  glaringly  opposite  as  to  authorize  a.  very  contrary 
belief.  Relative  to  captain  Broke  I  have  only  further  to  say,  that 
I  hope  he  has  not  been  so  severely  wounded  as  to  make  it  a  suffi 
cient  reason  to  prevent  his  re-assuming  the  command  of  the  Shan 
non  at  a  future  day. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

JOHN  RODGERS. 
Hon.  Wm.  Jones,  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 


51 AJOR  GENERAL  HARRISON'S  PROCLAMATION. 

The  enemy  having  been  driven  from  the  territory  of  Michigan, 
and  a  part  of  the  army  under  my  command  having  taken  posses 
sion  ot  it;  it  becomes  necessary  that  the  civil  government  of  the 
territory  should  be  re-established,  and  the  former  officers  renew 
the  exercise  of  their  authority.  I  have  therefore  thought  proper 
to  proclaim,  that  all  appointments  and  commissions  which  have 
been  derived  from  British  officers  are  at  an  end  ;  that  the  citizens 
of  the  territory  are  restored  to  all  the  rights  and  privileges  which 
they  enjoyed  previously  to  the  capitulation  made  by  general  Hull, 
on  the  16th  of  August,  1812.  Under  the  present  circumstances, 
and  until  the  will  of  the  government  be  known,  I  have  thought 
proper  to  direct  that  all  persons,  having  civil  offices  in  the  territory 
of  Michigan,  at  the  period  of  the  capitulation  of  Detroit,  resume 
the  exercise  of  their  powers  appertaining  to  their  offices  respec 
tively.  In  the  present  dispersed  state  of  its  population,  many 
officers  are  doubtless  absent.  In  all  cases,  thus  situated,  the  last 
incumbent  wrho  resigned  the  office  will  resume  the  exercise  of  its 
duties.  The  laws  in  force  at  the  period  abovementioned  will  be 
j-e-established,  and  continue  in  force  until  repealed  by  the  proper 
authority. 

Given  at  head  quarters,  the  29th  day  of  September,  1813. 

WILLIAM  H.  HARRISON. 
By  the  general, 

JOHN  O'FALLON,  Jlid-de-Camp* 


On  the  day  of  the  debarkation  of  our  troops  into  Canada,  thefok 
lowing  general  order  was  issued. 

HEAD  QUARTERS,  ON  BOARD  THE  AKIEL, 

September  29th,  1813. 

GENERAL  ORDER. 

The  General  entreats  his  brave  troops  to  remember  that  they 
are  the  sons  of  sires  whose  fame  is  immortal :  that  they  are  to 
fight  for  the  rights  of  their  insulted  country,  whilst  their  oppo 
nents  combat  for  the  unjust  pretensions  of  a  master. 


223 


Kentuckians — remember  the  riVer  Raisin,  but  remember  it  only 
whilst  the  victory  is  suspended.     The  revenge  of  a  soldier  cannot 
he  gratified  upon  a  fallen  enemy. 
By  command, 

ROBERT  BUTTLER,  Jl.  Adj.  Gen. 


J&xtract  of  a  letter  from  general  Harrison  to  the  Department  df 

War. 

HEAD-QUARTERS,  SANDWICH,  U.  C.  30th  September,  1813. 
<<  SIR, 

"  General  Proctor  has  with  him  475  regulars  of  the  41st  and 
Newfoundland  regiments  ;  60  of  the  10th  regiment  of  veterans; 
45  dragoons ;  and  from  600   to    1000  Indians.     Some  deserters 
who  left  him  the  night  before  last,  give  the  latter  as  the  number* 
The  citizens  of  Detroit  suppose  the  former  to   be  correct. 

"  The  Ottawas  and  Chippewas  have  withdrawn  from  the  British, 
and  have  sent  in  three  of  their  warriors  to  beg  for  peace,  promis 
ing  to  agree  to  any  terms  that  I  shall  prescribe.  I  have  ag  6ed 
to  receive  them  upon  condition  of  their  giving  hostages  for  their 
fidelity,  and  immediately  joining  us  with  all  their  warriors.  The 
Wyandots,  Miamies,  and  the  band  of  Delawares,  which  had  joined 
the  enemy,  are  also  desirous  to  be  received  upon  the  same 
terms. 

The  celebrated  chief,  Main  Pock,  is  at  the  head  of  the  hostile 
band  on  the  Detroit  side  of  the  straight.  Tecumseh  heads  that, 
which  remains  with  the  British.  The  inhabitants  of  Detroit,  who 
were  in  daily  communication  with  them,  make  the  former  from 
1000  to  1200.  Their  object  in  dividing  their  force  was  to  make  a 
night  attack  upon  the  part  of  the  army  which  remained  on  this 
side,  by  a  junction  of  their  force  some  miles  above. 

"  A  detachment  of  the  army,  and  some  of  the  vessels  of  war, 
will  set  out  for  the  reduction  of  Mackinac  and  St.  Joseph's  in  a 
few  days. 

"  I  have  honor  to  be,  &c. 
«  WILLIAM  H.  HARRISON.'-' 

Honourable  John  Armstrong, 

Secretary  of  War. 


U.  S.  SHIP  GENERAL  PIKE,  OFF  NIAGARA, 
October  1st,  1813. 

SIR, 

On  the  26th  ultimo  it  was  reported  to  me,  that  the  enemy's 

fleet  was  in  York.     I  immediately  despatched  the  Lady  of  the 

Lake  to  look  into  York,  and  ascertain  the  fact — she  returned  in 

the  evening  with  the.  information  that  the  enemy  was  in  York  bay^ 

29 


226 

I  immediately  prepared  to  weigh,  but  owing  to  a  strong  wind  from 
north  north-east,  was  not  able  to  get  out  of  the  river  before  the 
evening  of  the  27th,  and,  owing  to  the  extreme  darkness  of  the 
nijjhr,  a  part  of  the  squadron  got  separated,  and  did  not  join  be 
fore  next  morning  at  8  o'clock.  On  the  28th,  the  General  Pike, 
Madison  and  Sylph,  each  took  a  schooner  in  tow,  and  made  all 
sail  for  York.  Soon  after,  discovered  the  enemy's  fleet  under 
weigh  in  York  bay — shaped  our  course  for  him,  and  prepared  for 
action  ;  he  perceiving  our  intention  of  engaging  him  in  his  posi 
tion,  tacked  and  stood  out  of  the  bay,  wind  at  east.  I  formed  the 
line  an  run  down  for  his  centre.  When  we  had  approached  with 
in  about  three  miles,  he  made  all  sail  to  the  southward.  I  wore 
in  succession  and  stood  on  the  same  tack  with  him,  edging  down 
gradually  in  order  to  close.  At  10  minutes  past  meridian,  the  ene 
my  finding  that  we  were  closing  fast  with  him,  and  that  he  must 
either  risk  an  action  or  suffer  his  two  rear  vessels  to  be  cut  off, 
he  tacked  in  succession,  beginning  at  the  van,  hoisted  his  colors, 
and  commenced  a  well  directed  tire  at  this  ship,  for  the  purpose 
of  covering  his  rear,  and  attacking  our  rear  as  he  passed  to  lee 
ward:  perceiving  his  intention,  1  was  determined  to  disappoint 
him  ;  therefore  as  soon  as  the  Wolf  (the  leading  ship)  passed  the 
centre  of  his  line  and  abeam  of  us,  1  bore  up  in  succession  (pre 
serving  our  line)  for  the  enemy's  centre;  this  manouvre  not  only 
covered  our  rear,  but  hove  him  in  confusion.  He  immediately  bore 
away  :  we  had,  however,  closed  so  near  as  to  bririg  our  guns  to 
bear  with  effect,  and  in  20  minutes  the  main  and  mizen -top -masts, 
and  main  yard  of  the  Wolf,  were  shot  away;  he  immediately  put 
before  the  wind,  and  set  all  sail  upon  his  fore-mast.  I  made  the 
signal  for  the  fleet  to  make  all  sail ;  the  enemy,  however,  keeping 
dead  before  the  wind,  was  enabled  to  outsail  most  of  our  squa 
dron.  As  it  brought  all  the  sail  upon  one  mast,  he  did  not  feel 
the  loss  of  his  main  and  mixen- top -mast.  I  continued  the  chase 
until  near  5  o'clock,  during  which  time  I  was  enabled  in  this  ship 
(with  the  Asp  in  tow)  to  keep  within  point  blank  shot  of  the  enemy, 
and  sustained  the  whole  of  his  fire  during  he  chase.  Captain 
Crane,  in  the  Madison,  and  lieutenant  Brown, in  the  Oneida,  used 
every  exertion  to  close  with  the  enemy;  but  the  Madison  having 
a  heavy  schooner  in  tow,  and  the  Oneida  sailing  very  dull  before 
the  wind  prevented  those  officers  from  closing  near  enough  to  do 
any  execution  with  their  carronades.  The  Governor  Tompkins 
kept  in  her  station,  until  her  fore-mast  was  so  badly  wounded  as 
to  oblige  her  to  shorten  sail:  lieutenant  Finch,  of  the  Madison, 
who  commanded  her  for  this  cruize  (owing  to  the  indisposition  of 
lieutenant  Pettigrew)  behaved  with  great  gallantry,  and  is  an 
officer  of  much  promise.  Captain  Woolsey,  in  the  Sylph,  was 
kept  astern  by  the  Ontairo,  which  he  had  in  tow,  but  did  consi 
derable  execution  with  his  heavy  guns. 

At  fifteen  minutes  before  5  P.  M.  I  very  reluctantly  relinquished 
the  pursuit  of  a  beaten  enemy.  The  reasons  that  led  to  this  deter- 


227 

urination  were  such  as  T  flatter  myself  you  will  approve — they 
were  these :  at  t'  e  time  I  gave  up  the  chase,  this  ship  was  making 
so  much  water,  that  it  reo'iired  all  our  pumps  to  keep  her  free, 
(owing  to  our  receiving  several  shot  so  much  below  the  water's 
edw,  that  we  could  not  plug  the  holes  from  the  outside)  the 
Governor  Tompkins  with  her  fore-mast  gone,  and  the  squadron 
within  about  six  miles  of  the  head  of  the  lake,  blowing  a  gale  of 
wind  from  east  and  increasing  with  a  heavy  sea  on,  and  every 
appearance  of  the  equinox.  I  considered  that  if  I  chased  the 
enemy  to  his  anchorage  at  the  head  of  the  lake,  I  should  be 
obliged  to  anchor  also,  and  although  we  might  succeed  in  driving 
him  on  shore,  the  probability  was  that  we  should  go  on  shore  also  ; 
he  amongst  his  friends,  we  amongst  our  enemies,  and  after  the  gal6 
had  abated,  if  he  could  succeed  in  getting  off'  one  or  two  vessels 
out  of  the  two  fleets,  it  would  give  him  as  completely  the  command 
of  the  lake  as  if  he  had  20  vessels.  Moreover,  he  was'covered  at 
his  anchorage  by  a  part  of  his  army,  and  several  small  batteries 
thrown  up  for  the  purpose.  Therefore,  if  he  could  have  rode  out 
the  gale,  we  should  have  been  cut  up  by  their  shot  from  the  shore: 
under  all  these  circumstances,  and  taking  into  view  the  conse 
quences  resulting  from  the  loss  of  our  superiority  on  the  lakes  at 
this  time,  I  without  hesitation  relinquished  the  opportunity  then 
presenting  itself  of  acquiring  individual  reputation  at  the  expense 
of  my  country. 

The  loss  sustained  by  this  ship  was  considerable,  owing  to  her 
being  so  long  exposed  to  the  fire  of  the  enemy's  fleet ;  but  our  most 
serious  loss  was  occasioned  by  the  bursting  of  one  of  our  guns, 
which  killed  and  wounded  22  men,  and  tore  up  the  top -gallant 
forecastle,  which  rendered  the  gun  upon  that  deck  useless.  We 
had  four  other  guns  cracked  in  the  muzzle,  which  rendered  their 
use  extremely  doubtful.  Our  main  top-gallant-mast  was  shot 
away  in  the  early  part  of  the  action,  and  the  bowsprit,  fore  and 
main-mast,  wounded,  rigging  and  sails  much  cut  up,  and  a  num 
ber  of  shot  in  our  hull,  several  of  which  were  between  wind  and 
water,  and  27  men  killed  and  wounded,  including  those  by  die 
bursting  of  the  gun.  The  Madison  received  a  few  shot,  but  no 
person  Kurt  on  board.  The  Governor  Tompkins  lost  her  fore-mast 
and  the  Oneida  her  main-top-mast  badly  wounded.  We  have, 
however,  repaired  nearly  all  our  damages,  and  are  ready  to  meet 
the  enemy.  During  our  chase,  one,  if  not  two,  of  the  enemy's 
small  vessels,  was  completely  in  our  power,  if  I  could  have  been 
satisfied  with  so  partial  a  victory :  but  I  was  so  sure  of  the  whole 
that  I  passed  them  unnoticed,  by  which  means  they  finally  es 
caped. 

The  gale  continued  until  last  night,  but  the  wind  still  blows 
from  the  eastward.  I  thought  it  important  to  communicate  with 
general  Wilkinson,  to  ascertain  when  he  meant  to  move  with  the 
army.  I  therefore  ran  off  this  place  for  that  purpose  ;  and  he  thinks 
that  the  public  service  will  be  promoted  by  my  watching  sir  James 


4it  the  head  of  the  lake,  and  if  possible  preventing  his  return  ta 
Kingston,  while  he  proceeds  with  the  army  for  Sackett's  Harbor, 
I  shail,  therefore,  proceed  immediately  in  quest  of  the  enemy. 

I  have  great  pleasure  in  acknowledging  the  assistance  1  received 
from  captain  Sinclair  during  qur  chase,  in  using  his  best  exertions 
to  bring  this  ship  into  close  action.  The  other  officers  and  men 
behaved  to  my  perfect  satisfaction,  and  were  extremely  anxious 
to  close  with  the  enemy,  even  singly,  and  if  he  ever  gives  us  an 
opportunity  for  close  action,  they  will  show  that  they  are  not  in 
ferior  to  any  of  their  countrymen. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

ISAAC  CHAUNCEY. 
lion.  W.  Jones,  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 


TO  THE  PATRIOTS  OF  THE  WESTERN  DISTRICT, 

The  period  being;  at  hand  which  is  to  decide  the  fate  of  the 
province  of  Upper  ^Canada,  and  the  command  of  the  Niagara 
frontier  having  devolved  on  me ;  I  think  proper  to  invite  the  old 
and  young  patriots  of  the  western  district,  to  join  my  brigade  in 
defence  of  their  country  and  rights — any  number  not  exceed 
ing  1000  will  be  accepted  and  organized  immediately  on  their 
arrival  at  Lewistown,  and  officered  by  the  choice  of  their  men. 

As  the  movements  of  an  army  require  secrecy,  objects  in  view 
cannot  be  particularly  developed  ;  but  those  who  feel  disposed 
to  distinguish  themselves  and  render  services  to  their  country, 
may  be  assured  that  something  efficient  and  decisive  will  be  done. 
The  term  of  service  will  be  2  months,  if  not  sooner  discharged ; 
and  every  thing  shall  be  done  to  render  their  situations  as  com 
fortable  as  possible.  I  wish  none  to  volunteer  who  may  have  any 
constitutional  objections  to  cross  the  Niagara  river.  One  thou 
sand  four  hundred  of  my  brigade  haye  already  volunteered  to 
cross  the  river,  and  go  wherever  they  may  be  required  ;  and  600 
of  them  are  now  doing  duty  at  Fort  George.  I  flatter  myself  that 
no  other  consideration  need  he  urged,  than  .love  of  country,  to 
excite  the  patriotism  of  the  yeomanry  of  the  western  district. 

Given  at  head  quarters,  Lewistown,  October  2d,  ISis. 
GEORGE  M'CLURE,  Brig.  General 

Commanding  Niagara  frontier* 


Extract  of  a  letter  from  colonel  Smith,  of  the  rifle  regiment,  to 
colonel  Jl.  Y.  Nichollt  inspector  general^  dated 

"LOWER  SANDUSKY,  October  2d,  1813. 

"  I  have  already  collected  520  men  of  my  regiment.     The  last 
accounts  from  the  general,  state,  that  he  was  in  pursuit  of  Proctor* 


229 


who  had  evacuated  Maiden,  a  few  hours  before  he  landed.  I  fear 
he  will  make  his  escape.  1  leave  here  immediately  for  Portage, 
and  probably  for  head  quarters,  to  procure  transports  for  my 
detachment." 


WAR  DEPARTMENT,  October  4th,  1813. 

SIR, 

Understanding  that  the  defence  of  the  post  committed  to  your 
charge,  may  render  it  proper  to  destroy  the  town  of  Newark,  you 
are  hereby  directed  to  apprize  its  inhabitants  of  this  circum 
stance,  and  to  invite  them  to  remove  themselves  and  their  effects 
to  some  place  of  greater  safety. 

I  am,  &c. 

JOHN  ARMSTRONG. 
Brig.  General  M'Clure  or  officer  commanding 

at  Fort  George,  Upper  Canada. 


HEAD  QUARTERS,  NEAR  MORAVIAN  TOWN, 
on  the  River  Thames,  80  miles  from  Detroit,  October  5th,  1813. 

SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  inform  you,  that  by  the  blessing  of  Pro 
vidence,  the  army  under  my  command  has  obtained  a  complete 
victory  over  the  combined  Indian  and  British  forces  under  the 
command  of  general  Proctor.  I  believe  that  nearly  the  whole  of 
the  enemy's  regulars  are  taken  or  killed.  Amongst  the  former  are 
all  the  superior  officers  excepting  general  Proctor.  My  mounted 
men  are  now  in  pursuit  of  him.  Our  loss  is  very  trifling.  The 
brave  colonel  R.  M.  Johnson  is  the  only  officer  whom  I  have, 
heard  of  that  is  wounded,  he  badly,  but  I  "hope  not  dangerously. 

1  have  the  honour  to  be,  Stc. 

WILLIAM  H.  HARRISON. 
Hon.  J.  Armstrong,  Secretary  at  War, 


NEWPORT,  October  5th,  1813. 

SIR, 

I  have  the  pleasure  to  inform  you  of  the  capture  of  the  British 
armed  sloop  "  Dart,"  by  the  revenue -cutter  of  this  place,  last 
evening.  She  appeared  off  the  harbor  before  sun-set ;  the  captain 
of  the  cutter  offered  his  services  to  go  out.  1  put  on  board  three, 
sailing  masters  and  about  20  men ;  she  immediately  made  sail  and 
laid  aboard  the  Dart,  and  carried  her  by  boarding  ;  her  first  offi 
cer  was  killed ;  two  of  our  own  men  were  wounded  slightly, 
The  prisoners  I  send  for  your  disposal. 

Very  respectfully,  your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

JOHN  NICHOLSON, 
Com,  John  Rpdgers,  U,  S.  frigate  President. 


23Q 

.'Extract  of  a  letter  from  generalJP  Arthur  to  the  Secretary  of  War. 

"DETROIT,  October  6th,  1813. 

"  You  have  no  doubt  been  advised  by  the  commanding  general, 
that  Maiden  and  this  place  were  abandoned  by  the  enemy  previ 
ous  to  the  arrival  of  our  army,  and  that  all  the  public  buildings, 
&c.  were  destroyed.  On  our  arrival  at  Sandwich,  my  brigade 
was  ordered  across  the  river  to  disperse  some  Indians,  who  were 
pillaging  the  town,  and  to  take  possession  of  the  place.  Informa 
tion  was  received  that  several  thousand  Indians  had  retired  a  small 
distance  into  the  woods,  with  instructions  to  attack  general  Har 
rison's  army  on  its  passage,  for  the  purpose  of  retarding  its  pro 
gress;  consequently  my  brigade  was  left  to  garrison  this  place. 

"  Since  general  Harrison's  departure,  five  nations  of  Indians, 
viz.  the  Ottaways,  Chippeways,  Pottawatamies,  Miamies  and 
Kickapoos,  who  were  but  a  few  miles  back,  have  come  in  for 
peace,  and  I  have  agreed  that  hostilities  should  cease  for  the  pre 
sent  on  the  following  conditions  :  "  They  have  agreed  to  take  hold 
of  the  same  tomahawk  with  us,  and  to  strike  all  who  are,  or  may 
be,  enemies  to  the  United  States,  whether  British  or  Indians." 
They  are  to  bring  in  a  number  of  their  women  and  children,  and 
leave  them  as  hostages,  whilst  they  accompany  us  to  war.  Some 
of  them  have  already  brought  in  their  women,  and  are  drawing 
rations. 

"  I  have  just  received  a  note  from  general  Harrison,  advising 
that  he  had  last  evening  overtaken  general  Proctor's  force,  and 
had  gained  a  complete  victory;  that  all  the  principal  officers, 
general  Proctor  excepted,  were  in  his  possession,  which  no  doubt 
ends  the  war  in  this  quarter. 

"  1  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 
"DUNCAN  M 'ARTHUR,  Brig.  Gen.  U.  8.  army.* 


Extract  of  a  letter  from  brigadier  general  JlPClure,  to  his  excel 
lency  governor  Tompkins,  dated 

«  FORT  (iEOUGE,  HALF  PAST  5  O'CLOCK,  P.  M. 

October  6th,  1813. 

"  We  have  commenced  offensive  operations  against  the  enemy. 
About  500  militia  volunteers,  and  about  150  Indians,  commanded 
by  colonel  Chapin,  attacked  the  picket  guard  of  the  enemy,  about 
a  mile  and  a  half  from  Fort  George,  and  drove  them  in  upon  the 
main  body,  when  the  enemy  opened  a  fire  from  several  field 
pieces.  Our  men  retired  in  good  order  into  the  fort,  with  the  loss 
of  one  man  killed  and  two  or  three  wounded.  The  enemy's  loss 
was  seven  killed,  many  wounded,  and  four  prisoners, 

"  In  a  short  time  the  enemy  appeared  in  considerable  force 
within  five  hundred  yards  of  the  fort,  at  the  edge  of  the  woods. 
Chapin  again  sallied  out  with  about  300  men  and  some  Indians, 


£31 

commenced  a  brisk  fire  on  the  whole  of  the  enemy's  line,  ami 
<lro  e  them  half  a  mile  ;  but  perceiving  by  the  movements  of  the 
ene  r.y  that  they  would  outflank  us,  I  ordered  200  to  reinforce 
him,  and  in  t'.vo  detachments  to  attack  the  enemy's  flanks.  We 
succeeded  in  driving  the  enemy  into  the  woods,  when  night  coming 
on  put  an  end  to  the  conflict.  Our  loss  was  trifling;  I  have  not 
ascertained  that  of  the  enemy.  Colonel  Chapin  is  a  brave  man. 
Every  officer  and  soldier  did  his  duty." 


U.  S.  SHIP  GENERAL  PIKS,  SACKETT'S  I1ATIHOR, 

October  6ih,  1813. 

SIR, 

I  have  the  pleasure  to  inform  you  that  I  arrived  here  this 
morning,  with  five  of  the  enemy's  vessels,  which  I  fell  in  with, 
and  captured,  last  evening,  oft'  the  Ducks.  These  were  part  of 
seven  sail  which  left  York  on  Sunday  with  234  troops  on  board, 
bound  to  Kingston.  Of  this  fleet  five  were  captured,  one  burnt, 
and  one  escaped.  The  prisoners,  amounting  to  nearly  300,  be 
sides  having  upwards  of  300  of  our  troops  on  board  from  Niagara, 
induced  me  to  run  into  port  for  the  purpose  of  landing  both. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

ISAAC  CHAUNCEY. 
Hon.  Wm.  Jones,  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 


UNITED  STATES'  SHIP  GENERAL  PIKK, 

Sackctt's  Harbor,  October  6th,  1813'. 

SIR, 

As  soon  as  the  last  of  the  flotilla  with  the  troops,  cleared 
the  Niagara,  I  proceeded  in  quest  of  the  enemy.  On  the  Sd  in 
stant,  at  10  A.  M.  discovered  him  steering  a  course  for  Niagara, 
w.,  studding  saiis,  and  all  sails  set,  wind  from  the  south  and 
westward ;  ue  made  sail  in  chase,  but  as  soon  as  we  shot  out,  he 
took  in  studding  sails,  and  hauled  upon  a  wind  to  the  westward, 
and  made  aii  sail  from  us  ;  the  wind  being  light  all  day,  we  made 
but  little  progress  against  the  current,  and  at  sun  down,  the  ene 
my  was  off  the  Twenty- Mile  Creek,  and  had  evidently  gained 
considerably  from  us.  During  the  night,  the  wind  continued  so 
light  that  we  altered  our  position  but  very  little,  and  at  day-light, 
on  r!,e  3d,  saw  the  enemy  at  anchor 'close  in  with  the  land,  be 
tween  ,the  Twelve  and  Twenty  Mile  Creek;  as  soon  as  he  SAW 
us,  he  weighed  and  made  all  sail  to  the  vvesUvard,  wind  from 
south  to  south-west,  and  squally.  We  made  all  sail  in  chase,  and 
continued  the  chase  the  whole  day,  it  blowing  very  heavy  in 
squalls;  at  sun  down,  we  could  barely  mark  him  out  from  the 
mast-head,  when  he  appeared  nearly  up  to  the  head  of  the  lake; 
it  continued  squall}  witu  rain,  and  fhe  night  very  dark  ;N  at  day 
light,  on  the  4th,  hazy*  could  see  nothing  of  the  enemy— cont'm- 


ued  wonting  up  tor  Y»C  head  of  the  lake ;  towards  meridian,  it 
became  calm.  I  ordered  the  Lady  of  the  Lake  to  sweep  up  to 
Burlington  bay,  and  ascertain  whether  the  fleet  was  there;  at  halt' 
past  9  P.  M.  she  returned,  with  information  that  the  fleet  was 
not  there.  Saw  but  two  gun-boats.  It  struck  me  at  once  that 
he  had  availed  himself  of  the  darkness  of  the  preceding  night, 
arid  had  either  run  for  Kingston,  or  down  the  lake,  for  the  pur 
pose  of  intercepting  the  flotilla  with  the  army ;  I  therefore  made 
all  sail  and  shaped  my  course  for  the  Ducks,  with  a  view  of  in 
tercepting  him  or  his  prizes,  if  he  should  have  made  any.  The 
wind  increased  to  a  strong  gale  from  the  northward  and  westward, 
and  continued  during  the  whole  day  on  the  5th  ; — we  therefore 
made  a  great  run,  for  at  1  P.  M.*  we  passed  Long  Point;  at  3, 
"discovered  seven  sail  near  the  False  Ducks;  presuming  them  to 
be  the  fleet,  made  all  sail  in  chase ;  at  4,  made  them  out  to  be 
sloops  and  schooners*  I  made  the  signal  for  the  Sylph  and  the 
Lady  of  the  Lake,  to  cast  oft'  their  tow,  and  chase  north-east; 
soon  after,  perceiving  the  enemy  separating  on  different  tacks,  I 
cast  oft*  the  Governor  Tompkins  from  this  ship,  gave  the  squadron 
in  charge  of  captain  Crane,  and  made  all  sail  in  chase ;  at  5,  the 
enemy  finding  us  to  gain  fast  upon  them,  and  one  of  his  gun-ves 
sels  sailing  much  worse  than  the  rest,  he  took  the  people  out  and 
set  her  on  fire.  At  sun  down,  when  opposite  the  Real  Ducks* 
the  Hamilton,  (late  Growler)  Confiance  (late  Julia)  and  Mary 
Ann,  struck  to  us.  The  Sylph  soon  after,  brought  down  the 
Drummond,  cutter  rigged.  The  Lady  Gore  run  into  the  Ducks, 
but  the  Sylph  (which  was  left  to  watch  her)  took  possession  of 
her  early  the  next  morning.  The  Enterprize,  a  small  schooner, 
is  the  only  one  that  escaped,  and  she  owed  her  safety  to  the  dark 
ness  of  the  night. 

Finding  much  difficulty  in  shifting  the  prisoners,  owing  to  the 
smallness  of  our  boats  and  a  heavy  sea,  I  determined  to  take  the 
prizes  in  tow,  and  run  for  this  place,  and  land  the  prisoners  and 
troops  that  I  had  on  board.  On  the  6th,  the  Lady  of  the  Lake 
having  towed  one  of  the  prizes  in,  I  despatched  her  immediately 
to  cruize  between  the  Real  and  False  Ducks.  She  returned  the 
same  afternoon,  having  discovered  the  enemy's  squadron  going 
into  Kingston. 

I  have  repaired  the  principal  damages  sustained  by  this  ship  in 
the  action  on  the  28th  ultimo,  and  have  put  in  a  new  fore-mast 
into  the  Governor  Tompkins.  We  are  now  ready,  and  waiting 
the  movements  of  the  army,  which  is  contemplated  will  leave  here 
on  the  10th. 

The  vessels  captured  on  the  5th,  are  gun  vessels  mounting  from 
one  to  three  guns  each,  with  troops  from  the  head  of  the  lake 
(last  from  York)  bound  to  Kingston.  We  learnt  from  the  pri 
soners,  that  the  enemy  was  very  much  cut  up  in  their  hulls  and 
spars,  and  a  great  many  men  killed  and  wounded,  particularly  on 
board  the  Wolf  and  Royal  Geonre,  1  enclose,  herewith,  alistoi 


233  ) 

the  prisoners   taken  on  the  5th--    [Already  published,  see  "The 
War"  of  the  19th  ultimo.] 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

ISAAC  CHAUNCEV. 

Hon.  Win.  Jones,  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 


U.  S.  FRIGATE  PftSSIDENT,  PAWTUXF/T, 

October  7th,  1815. 

SIR, 

Enclosed  I  have  the  honor  of  transmitting  you  a  letter  this 
moment  received  from  lieutenant  Nicholson, — commanding  the 
gun-boats  at  Newport,  informing  me  of  the  capture  of  the  private 
armed  sloop  Dart. 

With  great  respect,  &c. 

JOHN  RODGERS. 
Hon.  Wm.  Jones,  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 


HEAD  QUABfBBS,  DETROIT,  October  9th,  1813. 
SIR, 

In  my  last  letter  from  Sandwich,  of  the  30th  ultimo,  I  did 
myself  the  honour  10  inform  you,  that  I  was  preparing  to  pursue 
the  enemy  the  following  day.  From  various  causes,  however, 
I  was  unable  to  put  the  troops  in  motion  until  the  morning  of  the 
2d  instant,  and  then  to  take  with  me  orly  about  140  of  the  regu 
lar  troops,  Johnson's  mounted  regiment,  and  such  of  governor 
Shelby's  volunteers  as  were  lit  for  a  rapid  march,  the  whole 
amounting  to  about  3v500  men.  To  general  IvP Arthur,  with  about 
700  effectives,  the  protection  of  this  place,  and  the  sick,  was 
committed.  General  Cass's  brigade,  and  the  corps  of  lieutenant 
colonel  Ball,  were  left  at  Sandwich,  with  orders  to  follow  me  as 
soon  as  the  men  received  their  knapsacks  and  blankets,  which  had 
been  left  on  an  island  in  lake  Erie. 

The  unavoidable  delay  at  Sandwich  was  attended  with  no  dis 
advantage  to  us.  General  Proctor  had  posted  himself  at  Dalson's, 
on  the  right  bank  of  the  river  Thames  (or  French),  fifty-six  miles 
from  this  place,  where  I  was  informed  he  intended  to  fortify  and 
to  receive  me.  He  must  have  believed,  however,  that  1  had  no  dis 
position  to  follow  him,  or  that  he  had  secured  my  continuance  here* 
by  the  reports  that  were  circulated  that  the  Indians  would  attack 
arid  destroy  this  place,  upon  the  advance  of  the  army ;  as  he  neglect 
ed  the  breaking  up  of  the  bridges  until  the  night  of  the  2d  instant. 
On  the  night  our  army  reached  the  river,  which  is  25  miles  from 
Sandwich,  and  is  one  of  four  streams  crossing  our  route,  over  all 
ot  which  are  bridges,  and  being  deep  and  muddy,  are  unfordiible 
for  a  considerable  distance  into  the  country.  The  bridge  here 
was  found  entire,  and,  in  the  morning,  I  proceeded  with  Johnson's 

30 


234 

regiment,  td  save,  if  possible,  the  others.  At  the  second  bridge, 
ever  a  branch  of  the  river  Thames,  we  were  fortunate  enough  to 
capture  a  lieutenant  of  dragoons  and  eleven  privates,  who  had 
been  sent  by  general  Proctor  to  destroy  them.  From  the  prison 
ers  I  learned  that  the  third  bridge  was  broken  up,  and  that  the 
enemy  had  no  certain  information  of  our  advance.  The  bridge, 
having  been  imperfectly  destroyed,  was  soon  repaired,  and  the 
army  encamped  at  Drake's  farm,  four  miles  below  Dal  son's. 

The  river  Thames,  along  the  banks  of  which  our  route  lay,  is  a 
fine  deep  stream,  navigable  for  vessels  of  considerable  burthen, 
after  the  passage  of  the  bar  at  its  mouth,  over  which  there  is  six 
and  a  half  feet  water. 

The  baggage  of  the  army  was  brought  from  Detroit  in  boats;, 
protected  by  three  gun -boats,  which  commodore  Perry  had  fur 
nished  for  the  purpose,  as  well  as  to  cover  the  passage  of  the 
army  over  the  Thames  itself,  on  the  mouth  of  its  tributary  streams  ; 
the  banks  being  low  and  the  country  generally  open  (prairies), 
as  high  as  Dalson's,  these  vessels  were  well  calculated  for  the 
purpose.  Above  Dalson's,  however,  the  character  of  the  river 
and  adjacent  country,  is  considerably  changed.  The  former, 
though  still  deep,  is  very  narrow,  and  its  banks  high  and  woody. 
The  commodore  and  myself,  therefore,  agreed  upon  the  propriety 
of  leaving  the  boats  under  a  guard  of  150  infantry,  and  I  deter 
mined  to  trust  to  fortune,  and  the  bravery  of  my  troops,  to  effect 
the  passage  of  the  river.  Below  a  place  calletl  Chatham,  and 
four  miles  above  Dalson's,  is  the  third  fordable  branch  of  the 
Thames.  The  bridge  over  its  mouth  had  been  taken  up  by  the ' 
Indians,  as  well  as  at  M'Gregor's  mills,  one  mile  above.  Several 
hundred  of  the  Indians  remained  to  dispute  our  passage,  and,  upon 
the  arrival  of  the  advanced  guard,  commenced  a  heavy  fire  from 
the  opposite  bank  of  the  creek,  as  well  as  that  of  the  river.  Be 
lieving  that  the  whole  force  of  the  enemy  was  there,  I  halted  the 
army,  formed  in  order  of  battle,  and  brought  up  our  two  six 
pounders  to  cover  the  party  that  were  ordered  to  repair  the  bridge, 
and  cross  the  troops.  Colonel  Johnson's  mounted  regiment,  being 
upon  the  right  of  the  army,  had  seized  the  remains  of  the  bridge 
at  the  mills,  under  a  heavy  fire  from  the  Indians.  Our  loss, 
upon  this  occasion,  was  two  killed  and  three  or  four  wounded  ; 
that  of  the  enemy  was  ascertained  to  be  considerably  greater. 
A  house  near  the  bridge,  containing  a  very  considerable  number 
of  muskets,  had  been  set  on  fire,  but  it  was  extinguished  by  our 
troops,  and  the  arms  saved.  At  the  first  farm  above  the  bridge, 
we  found  one  of  the  enemy's  vessels  on  fire,  loaded  with  arms  and 
ordnance  stores,  and  learned  that  they  were  a  few  miles  a  head 
of  us,  still  on  the  right  bank  of  the  river,  with  the  great  body  of 
the  Indians.  At  Bowles's  farm,  four  miles  from  the  bridge,*  we 
halted  for  the  night,  found  two  other  vessels,  and  a  large  distil 
lery,  filled  with  ordnance  and  other  valuable  stores,  to  an  immense 
amount,  in  flames.  It  was  impossible  to  put  out  the  fire ;  tw« 


489 

twenty-four  plunders,  with  their  carriages,  were  iJafteti,  atitf  a 
large  quantity  of  ball  and  shells  of  various  sizes.  The  army  was 
put  in  motion  early  on  the  morning  of  the  5th.  I  pushed  on,  in 
advance,  with  the  mounted  regiment,  and  requested  governor 
Shelby  to  follow,  as  expeditiously  as  possible,  with  the  infantry. 
The  governor's  zeal,  and  that  of  his  men,  enabled  them  to  keep 
up  with  the  cavalry,  and  by  9  o'clock,  we  were  at  Arnold's  mills, 
having  taken,  in  the  course  of  the  morning,  two  gun -boats  and 
several  batteaux,  loaded  with  provisions  and  ammunition. 

A  rapid,  at  the  river  at  Arnold's  mills,  affords  the  only  fording 
to  be  met  with  for  a  very  considerable  distance ;  but,  upon  exa 
mination,  it  was  found  too  deep  for  the  infantry.  Having,  howe 
ver,  fortunately  taken  two  or  three  boats,  and  some  canoes,  on, 
the  spot,  and  obliging  the  horsemen  to  take  a  footman  behind  each, 
the  whole  were  safely  crossed  by  12  o'clock.  Eight  miles  from 
the  crossing,  we  passed  a  farm,  where  a  part  of  the  British  troops 
had  encamped  the  night  before,  under  the  command  of  colonel 
Warburton.  The  detachment  with  general  Proctor  had  arrived 
the  day  before,  at  the  Moravian  towns,  four  miles  higher  up, 
Being  now  certainly  near  the  enemy,  I  directed  the  advance  of 
Johnson's  regiment  to  accelerate  their  march,  for  the  purpose  of 
procuring  intelligence.  The  officer  commanding  it,  in  a  short 
time,  sent  to  inform  me,  that  his  progress  was  stopped  by  the 
enemy,  who  were  formed  across  our  line  of  march.  One  of  the 
enemy's  wagoners,  being  also  taken  prisoner,  from  the  informa 
tion  received  from  him,  and  my  own  observation,  assisted  by  some 
of  my  officers,  I  soon  ascertained  enough  of  their  position,  and 
order  of  battle,  to  determine  that  which  it  was  proper  for  me  t» 
adopt. 

I  have  the  honour  herewith  to  enclose  you  my  general  order  of 
the  27th  ultimo,  prescribing  the  order  of  march  arid  of  battle 
when  the  whole  army  should  act  together.  But  as  the  number 
and  description  of  the  troops  had  been  essentially  changed,  since 
the  issuing  of  the  order,  it  became  necessary  to  make  a  corres 
ponding  alteration  in  their  disposition.  From  the  place  where 
our  army  was  last  halted,  to  the  Moravian  towns,  a  distance  of 
about  three  and  a  half  miles,  the  road  passes  through  a  beech 
forest  without  any  clearing,  and  for  the  first  two  miles  near  to  the 
bank  of  the  river.  At  from  two  to  three  hundred  yards  from  the 
river  a  swamp  extends  parallel  to  it,  throughout  the  whole  distance. 
The  intermediate  ground  is  dry,  and  although  the  trees  are  tol 
erably  thick,  it  ism  many  places  clear  of  underbrush.  Across 
this  strip  of  land,  its  left  appayed  upon  the  river,  supported  by 
artillery  placed  in  the  wood,  their  right  in  the  swamp  covered 
by  the  whole  of  their  Indian  force,  the  British  troops  were  drawn 
up. 

The  troops  at  my  disposal  consisted  of  about  one  hundred  aruit 
twenty  regulars  of  the  27th  regiment,  five  brigades  of  Kentucky 
volunteer  militia  infantry  under  his  excellency  governor  Shelby, 


236 

averaging  less  than  five  hundred  men,  and  colonel  Johnson's 
regiment  of  mounted  infantry,  making  in  the  whole  an  aggregate 
something  above  5000.  No  disposition  of  an  army  opposed  to 
an  Indian  force  can  be  safe,  unless  it  is  secured  on  the  flanks  and 
in  the  rear.  I  had  therefore  no  difficulty  in  arranging  the  infan 
try  conformably  to  my  general  order  of  battle.  General  Trot 
ter's  brigade  of  500  men  formed  the  front  line,  his  right  upon  the 
road  and  his  left  upon  the  swamp.  General  King's  brigade  as  a 
second  line,  150  yards  in  the  rear  of  Trotter's,  and  Childs's  bri 
gade,  as  a  corps  of  reserve,  in  the  rear  of  it.  These  three  bri 
gades  formed  the  command  of  major  general  Henry;  the  whole  of 
general  Desha's  division,  consisting  of  two  brigades,  were  formed 
en  jwtence  upon  the  left  of  Trotter. 

While  I  was  engaged  in  forming  the  infantry,  I  had  directed 
colonel  Johnson's  regiment,  which  was  still  in  front,  to  be  formed 
in  two  lines  opposite  to  the  enemy,  and,  upon  the  advance  of  the 
infantry,  to  take  ground  to  the  left,  and  forming  upon  that  flank, 
to  endeavour  to  turn  the  right  of  the  Indians.  A  moment's  re 
flection,  however,  convinced  me,  that  from  the  thickness  of  the 
woods  and  swampiness  of  the  ground,  they  would  be  unable  to 
do  any  thing  on  horseback,  and  there  was  no  time  to  dismount 
them  and  place  their  horses  in  security;  I  therefore  determined 
to  refuse  my  left  to  the  Indians,  and  to  break  the  British  lines  at 
once  by  a  charge  of  the  mounted  infantry  ;  the  measure  was  not 
sanctioned  by  any  thing  that  1  had  seen  or  heard  of,  but  I  was 
fully  convinced  that  it  would  succeed.  The  American  back 
woodsmen  ride  better  in  the  woods  than  any  other  people.  A 
musket  or  ilfle  is  no  impediment  to  them,  being  accustomed  to 
carry  them  on  horseback  from  their  earliest  youth.  I  was  per 
suaded,  too,  that  the  enemy  would  be  quite  unprepared  for  the 
shock,  and  that  they  could  not  resist  it.  Conformably  to  this 
idea,  1  directed  the  regiment  to  be  drawn  up  in  clo^e  column,  with 
its  right  at  the  distance  of  fifty  yards  from  the  road,  (that  it  might 
be,  in  some  measure,  protected  by  the  trees  from  the  artillery)  its 
left  upon  the  swamp,  and  to  charge,  at  full  speed,  as  soon  as  the 
enemy  delivered  their  fire.  The  few  regular  troops  of  the  £7th 
regiment,  under  the  command  of  their  colonel  (Paul),  occupied, 
in  col'imn  of  sections  of  four,  the  small  space  between  the  road 
and  the  river,  for  the  purpose  of  seizing  the  enemy's  artillery, 
and  some  ten  or  twelve  friendly  Indians  were  directed  to  move 
under  the  bank.  The  crotchet,  formed  by  the  front  line  and  gene 
ral  Desha's  division,  was  an  important  point.  At  that  place,  the 
venerable  governor  of  Kentucky  was  posted,  who,  at  the  age  of 
sixty-six,  preserves  all  the  vigour  of  youth,  the  ardent  zeal  which 
distinguished  him  in  the  revolutionary  war,  and  the  undaunted 
bravery  which  he  manifested  at  King's  Mountain.  With  my 
aids -de -cam]),  the  acting  assistant  adjutant  general  captain  Battler, 
my  gallant  friend  commodore  Perry,  who  did  me  the  honour  to 
serve  as  my  volunteer  aid-de-camp,  and  brigadier  general  Cass, 


£37 

who  having  no  command,  tendered  me  his  assistance,  I  placet! 
myself  at  the  head  of  the  front  line  of  infantry,  to  direct  the 
movements  of  the  cavalry  and  give  them  the  necessary  support.. 
The  army  had  moved  on  this  order  but  a  short  distance,  when 
the  mounted  men  received  the  fire  of  the  British  line,  and  were 
ordered  to  charge  ;  the  horses  in  the  front  of  the  column  recoiled 
from  the  fire;  another  was  given  by  the  enemy,  and  our  column, 
at  length  getting  in  motion,  broke  through  the  enemy  with  irre 
sistible  force.  In  one  minute,  the  contest  in  front  was  over. 
The  British  officers,  seeing  no  hopes  of  reducing  their  disordered 
ranks  to  order,  and  our  mounted  men  wheeling  upon  them  and 
pouring  in  a  destructive  fire,  immediately  surrendered.  It  is 
certain  that  three  only  of  our  troops  were  wounded  in  this  charge. 
Upon  the  left,  however,  the  contest  was  more  severe  with  the 
Indians.  Colonel  Johnson,  who  commanded  on  that  flank  of  his 
regiment,  received  a  most  galling  fire  from  them,  which  was 
returned  with  great  effect.  The  Indians  still  further  to  the  right 
advanced  and  fell  in  with  our  front  line  of  infantry,  near  its 
junction  with  Desha's  division,  and,  for  a  moment,  made  an  im 
pression  on  it.  His  excellency  governor  Shelby,  however,  brought 
up  a  regiment  to  its  support,  and  the  enemy,  receiving  a  severe  lire 
in  front,  and  a  part  of  Johnson's  regiment  having  gained  their  rear, 
retreated  with  precipitation.  Their  loss  was  very  considerable 
in  the  action,  and  many  were  killed  in  their  retreat. 

1  can  give  no  satisfactory  information  of  the  number  of  Indians 
that  were  in  the  action,  but  they  must  have  been  considerably 
upwards  of  one  thousand.  From  the  documents  in  my  possession, 
(general  Proctor's  official  letters,  all  of  which  were  taken}  and 
from  the  information  of  respectable  inhabitants  of  this  territory, 
the  Indians  kept  in  pay  by  the  British,  were  much  more  numerous 
than  has  been  generally  supposed.  In  a  letter  to  general  De  Rot- 
tenburg,  of  the  27th  instant,  general  Proctor  speaks  of  having 
prevailed  upon  most  of  the  Indians  to  accompany  him,  Of  these 
it  is  certain  that  fifty  or  sixty  Wyandot  warriors  abandoned  him.  * 

The  number  of  our  troops  was  certainly  greater  than  that  of 
the  enemy,  but  when  it  is  recollected,  that  they  had  chosen  a  posi 
tion  that  effectually  secured  their  flank,  which  it  was  impossible 
for  us  to  turn,  and  that  we  could  not  present  to  them  a  line  more 
extended  than  their  own,  it  will  not  be  considered  arrogant  to 
claim  for  my  troops  the  palm  of  superior  bravery. 

In  communicating  to  the  President  through  you,  sir,  my  opin 
ion  of  the  conduct  of  the  officers  who  served  under  my  command, 
I  am  at  a  loss  how  to  mention  that  of  governor  Shelby,  bring 
convinced  that  no  eulogium  of  mine  can  reach  his  merits.  The 

*  A  British  officer,  of  high  rank,  assured  one  of  my  aids-de-camp,  that  on 
the  day  of  our  landing-,  general  Proctor  had,  at  his  disposal,  upwards  of  three 
th-  i  'and  Indian  warriors,  but  ussei'tod  that  the. greatest  part  hud  left  him 
previous  to  the  acUon, 


2BS 

-£iDverii0y  of  an  independent  state,  greatly  iny  Superior  in  year?, 
in  experience  and  in  military  character,  he  placed  himself  under 
my  command,  and  was  not  more  remarkable  for  his  zeal  and  ac 
tivity,  than  for  his  promptitude  and  cheerfulness  with  which  he 
obeyed  my  orders.  The  major  generals  Henry  and  Desha,  and 
the  brigadiers  Allen,  Caldwell,  King,  Childs  and  Trotter,  all  of 
the  Kentucky  volunteers,  manifested  great  zeal  and  activity.  Of 
governor  Shelby's  staff,  his  adjutant  general,  colonel  Walker,  ren 
dered  great  service,  as  did  his  aids-de-camp  general  Adair,  and 
majors  Barry  and  Crittenden.  The  military  skill  of  the  former 
was  of  great  service  to  us,  and  the  activity  of  the  two  latter  gen 
tlemen  could  riot  be  surpassed.  Illness  deprived  me  of  the  talents 
of  my  adjutant  general  colonel  Gaines,  who  was  left  at  Sandwich. 
His  duties  were,  however,  ably  performed  by  the  acting  assistant 
adjutant  general,  captain  Buttler.  My  aids-de-camp,  lieutenant 
O'Fallon  and  captain  Todd,  of  the  line,  and  my  volunteer  aids 
John  Speed  Smith  and  John  Chambers,  esquires,  have  rendered  me 
the  most  important  services  from  the  opening  of  the  campaign. 
I  have  already  stated  that  general  Cass  and  commodore  Perry 
assisted  me  in  forming  the  troops  for  the  action.  The  former  is  an 
officer  of  the  highest  merit,  and  the  appearance  of  the  brave 
commodore  cheered  and  animated  every  breast. 

It  would  be  useless,  sir,  after  stating  the  circumstances  of  the 
action,  to  pass  encomiums  upon  colonel  Johnson  and  his  regiment. 
Veterans  could  not  have  manifested  more  firmness.  The  colo 
nel's  numerous  wounds  prove  that  he  was  in  the  post  of  danger. 
Lieutenant  colonel  James  Johnson,  and  the  majors  Payne  and 
Thompson  were  equally  active  though  more  fortunate.  Major 
Wood  of  the  engineers,  already  distinguished  by  his  conduct  at 
Fort  Meigs,  attended  the  army  with  two  six  pounders.  Having 
no  use  for  them  in  the  action,  he  joined  in  the  pursuit  of  the  enemy, 
and  with  major  Payne  of  the  mounted  regiment,  two  of  my  aids- 
de-camp,  Todd  and  Chambers,  and  three  privates,  continued  it  for 
several  miles  after  the  rest  of  the  troops  had  halted,  and  made 
many  prisoners. 

I  left  the  army  before  an  official  return  of  the  prisoners,  or 
that  of  the  killed  and  wounded,  was  made  out.  It  was  however 
ascertained  that  the  former  amounts  to  601  regulars,  including  25 
officers.  Our  loss  is  7  killed  and  22  wounded,  5  of  which  have 
since  died.  Of  the  British  troops  12  were  killed  and  22  wounded. 
The  Indians  suffered  most — 33  of  them  having  been  found  upon 
the  ground,  besides  those  killed  on  the  retreat. 

On  the  day  of  the  action,  six  pieces  of  brass  artillery  wrere 
taken,  and  two  iron  24  pounders  the  day  before.  Several  others 
were  discovered  in  the  river,  and  can  be  easily  procured.  Of  the 
brass  pieces,  three  are  the  trophies  of  our  revolutionary  wrar,  that 
were  taken  at  Saratoga  and  York,  and  surrendered  by  gene 
ral  Hull.  The  number  of  small  arms  taken  by  us  and  destroyed 
by  the  enemy,  must  amount  to  upwards  of  5000;  most  of  tiiem 


had  been  ours  and  taken  by  the  enemy  at  the  surrender  of  Betroit, 
at  the  river  Raisin,  and  at  colonel  Dudley's  defeat.  I  believe  that 
the  enemy  retain  no  other  military  trophy  of  their  victories  than 
the  standard  of  the  4th  regiment ;  they  were  not  magnanimous 
enough  to  bring  that  of  the  41st  regiment  into  the  field,  or  it  would 
have  been  taken. 

You  have  been  informed,  sir,  of  the  conduct  of  the  troops  under 
my  command  in  action  ;  it  gives  me  great  pleasure  to  inform  you, 
that  they  merit  also  the  approbation  of  their  country  for  their 
conduct,  in  submitting  to  the  greatest  privations  with  the  utmost 
cheerfulness. 

The  infantry  were  entirely  without  tents,  and  for  several  day* 
the  whole  army  subsisted  upon  fresh  beef,  without  bread  or  salt. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

WILLIAM  H.  HARRISON. 
General  John  Armstrong1,  Secretary  of  War. 

P.  S.  General  Proctor  escaped  by  the  fleetness  of  his  horses, 
escorted  by  40  dragoons  arid  a  number  of  mounted  Indians. 


HEAD  QUARTERS,  DETROIT,  October  llth,  1813. 

DEAR  GOVERNOR, 

You  will  have  heard  before  this  reaches  you,  that  I  was  for 
tunate  enough  to  overtake  general  Proctor,  and  his  tawny  allies, 
and  to  give  them  a  complete  drubbing.  I  have  601  prisoners  of 
the  British  regulars,  officers  included,  among  which  there  are  two 
colonels. 

Nothing  but  infatuation  could  have  governed  general  Proctor's 
conduct.  The  day  that  I  landed  below  Maiden,  he  had  at  his 
disposal  upwards  of  3000  Indian  warriors:  his  regular  force,  re 
inforced  by  the  militia  of  the  district,  would  have  made  his  num 
ber  nearly  equal  to  my  aggregate,  which,  on  the  day  of  landing, 
did  not  exceed  4500.  The  papers  have  greatly  exaggerated  the 
number  of  militia  from  Kentucky :  those  which  embarked  with 
me  at  Portage,  did  not  amount  to  3000  rank  and  file  ;  and  several 
hundred  of  them  were  left  in  the  islands. 

The  Indians  were  extremely  desirous  of  fighting  us  at  Maiden. 
I  enclose  you  Tecumselrs  speech  to  Proctor ;  it  is  at  once  an 
evidence  of  the  talents  of  the  former,  and  the  greater  defect  of 
them  in  the  latter.  His  inferior  officers  say,  that  his  conduct  has 
been  a  series  of  continued  blunders.  He  manifested,  indeed, 
some  judgment  in  the  choice  of  his  field  of  battle,  as  he  was  so 
posted  that  I  could  not  turn  him,  and  could  only  oppose  a  line 
of  equal  extent  to  his.  However,  the  contest  was  not  for  a  mo 
ment  doubtful.  The  greater  part  of  his  Indians  were  in  the  air, 
(according  to  the  Persian  military  phraseology)  and  his  regulars 
broken  and  made  prisoners  by  a  single  charge  of  mounted  infan- 


240 

try.  We  took  upon  the  ground,  or  near  it,  a  fine  brass  field  train 
of  artillery.  Several  of  the  pieces  are  trophies  of  the  revolu 
tion,  taken  at  Saratoga  and  York,  and  surrendered  by  general 
Hull.  The  number  of  small  arms  and  military  stores,  taken  by 
us,  or  destroyed  by  the  enemy,  is  immense.  My  force  in  action, 
of  all  descriptions,  was  short  of  2500. 

I  am  preparing  an  expedition  to  Michilimackinac,  and  another 
to  Long  Point,  to  destroy  at  the  latter  a  depot  of  provisions. 

I  shall  send  orders  to  general  Gano,  by  this  conveyance.  It  is 
probable  that  the  greater  part  of  his  troops  may  be  dismissed  in  a 
short  time.  The  Indians  in  this  neighbourhood,  are  submitting  at 
discretion* 

I  am  your  friend, 

WILLIAM  H.  HARRISON. 
His  excellency  Gov.  Meigs. 


(iNCLOSURE.) 

SPEECH  OF  TECUMSEH 

In  the  name  of  the  Indian  chiefs  and  warriors,  to  major  general 
Proctor,  as  the  representative  of  their  great  Father,  the  king. 

FATHER — Listen  to  your  children  !  You  Lave  them  now  all  be 
fore  you.  The  war  before*  this,  our  British  father  gave  the  hatchet 
to  his  red  children,  when  our  old  chiefs  were  alive.  They  are  now 
dead.  In  that  war,  our  father  was  thrown  on  his  back  by  the 
Americans,  and  our  father  took  them  by  the  hand  without  our 
knowledge;!  and  we  are  afraid  that  our  father  will  do  so  again 
at  this  time.  Summer  before  last,  when  I  came  forward  with  my 
red  brethren,  and  was  ready  to  take  up  the  hatchet  in  favour  of 
our  British  father,  we  were  told  not  to  be  in  a  hurry — that  he 
had  not  yet  determined  to  light  the  Americans. 

Listen! — When  war  was  declared,  our  father  stood  up  and  gave 
us  the  tomahawk,  and  told  us  that  he  was  now  ready  to  strike 
the  Americans  ;  that  he  wanted  our  assistance  ;  and  that  he  would 
certainly  get  us  our  lands  back,  which  the  Americans  had  taken 
from  us. 

Listen  /• — You  told  us  that  time,  to  bring  forward  our  families 
to  this  place ;  and  we  did  so,  and  you  promised  to  take  care  of 
them,  arid  that  they  should  want  for  nothing,  while  the  men 
would  go  and  fight  the  enemy ;  that  we  need  not  trouble  our 
selves  about  the  enemy's  garrisons  ;  that  we  knew  nothing  about 
them ;  and  that  our  father  would  attend  to  that  part  of  the  busi 
ness.  You  also  told  your  red  children  that  you  would  take  good 
cure  of  their  garrison  here,  which  made  our  hearts  glad. 

*  The  revolutionary  var. 

j  The  British  made  peace  without  any  stipulation  for  their  Indian  allies-. 


S41 

Listen  i — When  we  were  last  to  the  Rapids,  it  is  true  we  gave 
you  assistance.  It  is  hard  to  fight  people  who  live  like  ground 
hogs.* 

Listen  Father! — Our  fleet  has  gone  out — we  know  they  have 
fought — we  have  heard  the  great  guns,  but  know  nothing  of  what 
has  happened  to  our  father  with  one  arm.t  Our  troops  have  gone 
one  way,  and  we  are  very  much  astonished  to  see  our  father  tying 
up  every  thing  and  preparing  to  run  away  the  other,  without  let- 
ing  his  red  children  know  what  his  intentions  are.  You  always 
told  us  to  remain  here,  and  take  care  of  our  lands — it  made  our 
hearts  glad  to  hear  that  was  your  wish.  Our  great  father,  the 
king,  is  the  head,  and  you  represent  him.  You  always  told  'is, 
that  you  would  never  draw  your  foot  off  British  ground  ;  but  now, 
father,  we  see  you  are  drawing  back,  and  we  are  sorry  to  see  our 
father  doing  so,  without  seeing  the  enemy.  We  must  compare 
our  father's  conduct  to  a  fat  animal,  that  carries  its  tail  upon  its 
back,  but  when  affrighted,  it  drops  it  between  its  legs,  and  run$ 

°ff- 

Listen  Father! — The  Americans  have  not  yet  defeated  us  by 
land  ;  neither  are  we  sure  that  they  have  done  so  by  water :  we 
therefore  wish  to  remain  here,  and  fight  our  enemy,  should  they 
make  their  appearance.  If  they  defeat  us,  we  will  then  retreat 
with  our  father. 

At  the  battle  of  the  Rapids,  last  war,  the  Americans  certainly 
defeated  us ;  and  when  w6  retreated  to  our  father's  fortj  at  that 
place,  the  gates  were  shut  against  us.  We  were  afraid  that  it 
would  now  be  the  case,  but  instead  of  that,  we  see  our  British 
father  preparing  to  march  out  of  his  garrison. 

Father! — You  have  got  the  arms  and  ammunition  which  the 
great  father  sent  for  his  red  children.  If  you  have  any  idea  of 
going  away,  give  them  to  us,  and  you  may  go  and  welcome,  for  us. 
Our  lives  are  in  the  hands  of  the  Great  Spirit — we  are  determined 
to  defend  our  lands,  and  if  it  is  his  will,  we  wish  to  leave  our 
bones  upon  them. 

Amherstburg,  September  18th,  1813. 


FORT  GEORGE,  October  llth,  1813,7  o'clock  P.  M. 

SIR, 

Within  the  last  five  minutes,  I  have  had  the  honour  to  receive 
your  despatch  by  "  the  Lady  of  the  Lake." 

The  enemy  has  treated  me  with  neglect.     He  continued  in  his 
old  positions  until  Saturday  last  (the  9th)  when  he  took  up  his 

*  During  the  siege  of  Fort  Meigs,  the  troops  covered  themselves  from  tke 
enemy's  fire,  by  throwing  up  travesses  and  ditches  of  earth. 

•j-  Commodore  Barclay. 

*  Fort  Miami,  near  Wayne's  battle  ground. 

31 


242 

retreat  en  Burlington  heights,  and  has  abandoned  this  whole  pen 
insula.  Two  causes  are  assigned  ior  this  precipitate  movement  J 
the  succour  of  Proctor,  who  is  reported  to  have  been  entirety  de- 
feateu,  if  not  taken  ;  the  other,  the  safety  of  Kingston,  endanger 
ed  by  jour  movement.  We  have  had  from  the  enemy  many  de 
serters,  must  of  whom  concur  in  the  latter  supposition.  The 
British  burnt  every  thing  in  store  in  this  neighbourhood,  SOOO 
blankets,  many  hundred  stands  of  arms,  also  the  blankets  in  the 
men's  packs,  and  every  article  of  clothing  not  in  actual  use. 

They  ate  supposed  to  have  reached  Burlington  heights  last 
evening,  from  the  rate  of  their  march  the  night  before.  1  have 
information  of  their  having  passed  "  the  40,"  by  several  inhabi 
tants  who  have  come  down.  They  add  to  what  was  stated  by  the 
deserters,  that  two  officers  of  the  41st  had  joined  general  Vincent 
from  Proctor's  army,  with  the  information  that  Proctor  was  de 
feated  eighteen  miles  this  side  of  Maiden.  I  cannot  get  particu 
lars. 

From  the  same  sources  of  intelligence,  it  appears  that  the  49th, 
a  part  of  the  100th,  and  the  voltigeurs,  moved  from  this  neigh 
bourhood  the  day  after  our  flotilla  left  this,  the  Sd  instant,  but 
with  what  destination  is  not  certainty  known.  It  was  first  reported 
(I  mean  in  the  British  camp)  that  these  regiments  had  marched  to 
support  Proctor,  who,  it  is  said,  wrote  that  he  would  be  compelled 
to  surrender  if  not  supported.  1  am  pretty  sure,  however,  that 
they  are  gone  below.  The  movement  of  our  army,  below,  seems 
to  have  been  known  in  the  British  lines  as  early  as  the  3d  instant, 
together  with  the  immediate  objects  in  view ;  hence  1  have  no 
difficulty  in  concluding,  that  all  the  movements  of  the  enemy 
will  concentrate  at  Kingston. 

Chapin,  who  has  been  commissioned  a  lieutenant  colonel, 
marched  late  last  evening  up  the  lake,  with  about  100  volunteers 
under  his  command,  and  was  followed  this  morning  by  generals 
M'Clure  and  Porter,  with  about  1000  men,  Indians  and  militia 
included.  There  is  no  danger  of  their  coming  up  with  the  enemy, 
or  they  would  be  in  great  danger  of  a  total  annihilation. 

Vincent  took  hence  with  him,  about  iOOO  or  1,100  regulars* 
Many  of  the  militia  left  this  with  the  avowed  design  of  plunder; 
but  1  fear  from  reports  that  the  British  have  lelt  the  miserable 
inhabitants  without  any  tiling,  to  be  ravished.  1  expect  general 
M'Clure  back  to-morrow  evening,  as  he  only  took  with  him  sup 
plies  for  two  days  ;  he  will  probably  go  as  far  as  "  the  20."  On 
the  8th  Chapin  went  out  with  a  small  party  and  attacked  one  of 
the  enemy's  pickets,  which  brought  on  a  skirmish  in  which  many 
of  colonel  Swilt's  regiment  participated.  After  a  great  waste  of 
ammunition,  the  parties  retired  to  their  respective  can  ps  with 
little  loss  on  either  side ;  we  made  and  lost  a  prisoner,  had 
two  Indians  killed,  and  two  other  men  wounded.  VY  e  hear  the 
enemy  had  five  men  wounded. 


243 

I  had  this  morning  made  an  arrangement,  on  application  of 
general  M'Clure,  to  be  relieved  in  the  command  of  this  post  on 
the  morning  of  the  13th  instant,  with  an  intention  of  taking  up 
my  line  of  inarch  for  Sackett's  Harbor,  according  to  the  discretion 
allowed  me  in  the  instructions  I  had  the  honour  to  receive  from 
you  at  this  place.  My  situation  has  become  truly  insupportable : 
without  the  possibility  of  an  attack  at  this  post,  and  with 
out  the  possibility  of  reaching  you  time  enough  to  share  in  the 
glory  of  impending  operations  below;  I  am  nevertheless,  flattered 
with  the  assurance  that  transport  will  be  forwarded  for  my  re 
moval,  and  to  favor  that  intention,  I  propose  taking  up  my  line 
of  march  on  the  morning  of  the  13th  for  the  mouth  of  Genessee 
river,  and  there  await  the  arrival  of  the  vessels  you  are  good 
enough  to  promise  me.  By  this  movement,  captain  Mix  thinks 
with  "me,  that  I  shall  hasten  my  arrival  at  Sackett's  Harbor  5 
possibly  10  days.  Captain  Camp  has  a  sufficient  number  of 
wagons  to  take  me  thither ;  I  can  easily  make  that  place  by  the 
evening  of  the  15th.  I  hope  1  shall  have  your  approbation,  and 
every  thing  is  arranged  with  brigadier  M'Clure. 

Knowing  your  wishes  respecting  the  invalids  or  subjects  for 
discharge,  and  fearing  that  water  transport  might  not  be  had  till 
the  season  was  too  far  advanced  for  their  removal,  I  have  ventured 
to  send  lieutenant  Archer  (  paymaster  of  the  20th  who  was  left 
here  without  orders,)  on  command  to  Greenbush,  with  100  men  of 
this  description.  It  was  a  measure  approved  of  by  doctor  Mann, 
and  I  hope  not  contrary  to  your  wishes  and  intentions.  Doctor 
Hugo,  surgeon's  mate  of  the  14th  (also  left  here  without  orders) 
accompanied  the  detachment.  The  quarter  master's  department 
furnished  8  wagons  on  my  requisition. 

The  sick  list  of  the  garrison  is  much  reduced  since  your  depar* 
ture,  (I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  my  morning  re  port)  and  Doctor 
Mann  has  discharged  many  patients  from  his  hospital :  I  also  en 
close  you  his  last  report.  Those  marked  "subjects  for  discharge" 
are  part  of  the  number  sent  off*  to  Greenbush.  Doctor  Mann  and 
captain  Camp  have  concluded  to  remove  the  general  hospital  to 
"  the  eleven  mile  Creek  "  near  Buffaloe,  the  barracks  at  which 
place  will  be  sufficient  for  the  reception  of  the  whole  of  the  sick, 
with  some  trifling  repairs. 

From  the  morning  report  enclosed,  you  will  find  794  the  "  total," 
&c.  present  of  the  regulars  of  this  garrison,  including  officers, 
&c.  Transport  will  be  necessary  for  about  850  persons.  I  wish 
also  to  take  with  me  four  iron  6's,  one  5$  inch  howitzer,  and  two 
caissons,  the  whole  on  field  carriages.  This  train  will  form  no  im 
pediment  in  my  march  to  the  mouth  of  Genessee  river,  as  1  have 
horses  belonging  to  the  regiment,  sufficient  to  draw  it.  If  it  meet 
your  approbation,  I  can  send  the  horses  thence  to  Sackett's  Harbor 
by  land. 

I  have,  by  working  almost  night  and  day,  greatly  improved  the 
defences  of  this  post,  and  nearly  filled  up  the  idea,  ef  the  engineer. 


*44 

I  flatter  myself  that  I  have  also  improved  the  garrison  in  disci 
pline.  I  must  apologize  for  the  haste  in  which  this  is  written,  but 
captain  Mix  proposes  to  sail  immediately,  and  I  fear  to  detain 
him  a  moment.  I  think  I  shall  certainly  be  at  the  mouth  of  the 
Genessee  by  the  15th  instant. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be.  &c. 

W.  SCOTT,  Col.  Comdg* 
Major  general  Wilkinson. 


Extract  of  a   letter  from  colonel   Clark,  to  brigadier  general 

Parker. 

CAMP,  CHAZY-LANDING,  October  15th,  1813. 

It  is  with  great  pleasure  I  can  inform  you  of  a  successful 
attack  upon  the  enemy  at  Massequoi  bay,  on  the  morning  of  the 
12th  instant.  At  this  time  I  had  only  the  riflemen  with  me,  the 
artillery  moving  slow  arid  the  militia  protecting  their  rear.  We 
proceeded  to  the  village  (Massequoi)  and  arrived  within  15  rods  of 
the  enemy  before  we  were  discovered.  We  found  them  drawn  up 
under  major  Powell,  in  a  manner  that  would  have  annoyed  us 
much  had  we  attacked  them  by  water,  but  wholly  unprepared  to 
defend  themselves  on  the  land  side  ;  they  commenced  a  fire  on 
the  left  flank,  but  in  ten  minutes  after  the  first  attack  they  laid 
down  their  arms  and  surrendered  themselves  prisoners  of  war. 

Understanding  that  a  force  of  200  men,  under  colonel  Lock, 
was  marching  to  attack  us,  1  despatched  captain  Finch,  with  his 
company,  to  reconnoitre  them  and  ascertain  their  course.  He 
proceeded  with  such  promptness  and  ability  as  to  surprise  and 
Capture  the  advanced  guard,  consisting  of  cavalry,  excepting  one 
man  who  escaped,  and,  giving  the  information,  the  enemy 
retreated. 

The  prisoners  were  then  put  on  board  our  boats  and  sent  to 
Burlington. 

Our  whole  force  engaged  was  102 — the  number  of  prisoners 
taken  is  101,  their  killed  9,  and  wounded  14. 

I  am,  sir,  with  great  respect,  &c. 

ISAAC  CLARK. 
Biig.  gen.  Parker,  commanding  at 

Burlington,  Vt. 


ADDRESS 
To  the  inhabitants  of  the  Upper  Province  of  Canada. 

Brigadier  general  M'Clure,  commanding  on  the  Niagara  fron 
tier,  finds  the  Upper  Province  deserted  by  the  British  army  and 
abandoned  by  its  government.  In  the  peculiar  situation  of  the 


245 

inhabitants,  it  is  essential  to  their  security  that  some  regulations 
should  be  established  for  their  government,  while  the  American 
army  has  the  power  of  enforcing  them.  The  general  regrets  to 
say)  that  illegal,  unauthorized,  and  forbidden  pillage  has  been 
committed  by  a  few,  who  are  lost  to  all  honour,  and  insensible  of 
the  obligations  of  a  soldier.  To  arrest  such  practices,  to  aff->rd 
all  the  protection  in  his  power,  and  to  ensure  safety  to  the  property 
and  persons  of  the  inhabitants,  who  are  now  under  his  controul, 
the  general  has  issued  this  address. 


The  employment  of  the  Indians  has  been  a  source  of  extreme 
regret  to  the  general.  But  finding  them  called  out  by  the  gov 
ernment  of  the  United  States,  and  expecting  to  attack  an  army 
who  had  long  emploj^ed  them  in  scenes  of  atrocity  and  outrage,  at 
which  humanity  shudders,  he  was  driven  to  the  only  alternative 
left  him,  of  using  the  same  weapon  against  our  enemies  which 
they  had  used  against  ourselves  ;  that  the  British  army  had  aban 
doned  their  encampments  and  fled  before  the  American  force, 
does  not  weaken  the  necessity  which  he  was  under  of  employing 
the  Indians  before  he  knew  the  enemy  had  absconded.  At  the 
same  time,  it  is  due  to  them  to  sav,  that  the  Indians  have  con  - 
ducted  themselves  far  better  than  could  have  been  expected,  if 
the  example  of  British  officers  and  British  savages  be  a  criterion. 
Not  a  single  individual  has  been  scalped  or  tomahawked  by  them, 
no  prisoner  of  war  has  been  burnt,  the  dead  have  not  been  thrown 
into  the  public  highways,  women  and  children  have  not  been 
massacred,  nor  has  private  property  been  destroyed,  except  in 
cases  where  the  former  conduct  of  the  owners  required  exemplary 
retaliation.  The  property  which  they  have  plundered,  has,  in 
cases  where  it  was  possible,  been  restored  by  the  inhabitants  of 
the  United  States ;  and  when  the  necessity  for  their  employment 
ceased  to  exist,  the  Indians  were  sent  to  the  American  side  of 
the  river,  beyond  the  reach  of  temptation,  to  wait  until  circum 
stances  justified  another  call  upon  them.  The  relation  of  these 
facts  is  due  to  the  honour  of  our  government,  to  the  reputation  of 
the  general,  and  to  the  merits  of  the  Indians.  From  it,  also,  the 
inhabitants  of  Canada  may  learn  what  they  may  expect  from 
American  forbearance  and  clemency. 

To  insure  that  forbearance,  the  inhabitants  have  an  easy  duty 
to  perform ;  let  them  be  perfectly  neutral,  let  them  abstain  from 
communications  with  the  British  army  and  remain  at  home,  quietly 
pursuing  their  avocations.  Those  who  conduct  differently  will 
incur  the  penalties  of  rigorous  martial  law.  The  character  of  our 
free  republican  government,  and  the  nature  of  our  institutions, 
will  justify  your  expectation  of  security  and  protection.  All 
civil  magistrates  will  continue  to  exercise  the  functions  of  their 
offices  merely  as  conservators  of  the  peace.  As  far  as  they  are 
able,  they  will  preserve  order  and  quiet  among  the  inhabitants. 
The  existing  laws  of  the  province,  so  far  as  they  regard  the  public 
peace,  and  not  interfering  with  the  regulations  of  the  army,  will 


246 

Jje  considered  in  force  until  other  measures  are  taken.  The  ma 
gistrates  are  particularly  required  to  give  information  at  head 
quarters  of  all  violence  committed  by  American  troops  on  citizens, 
unless  they  are  authorised  by  a  written  order.  The  general 
enjoins  the" inhabitants  to  submit  to  their  magistrates,  and  those 
who  refuse  obedience  must  be  reported  to  head  quarters.  The 
brigadier  general  invites  all  the  inhabitants  who  are  disposed  to 
be  peaceable,  orderly,  and  neutral,  to  return  to  their  homes  and 
their  business.  He  cannot  promise  complete  security,  but  he 
engages,  as  far  as  his  power  extends,  to  protect  the  innocent,  the 
ujiibrtunate  and  the  distressed. 

GEO.  M'CLURE, 
Commanding  Niagara  Frontier. 
HEAD  QUAKTEUS,  FORT  GEORGE,  Oct.  16th,  1813. 


A  PROCLAMATION  BY  GENERAL  HARRISON. 

An  armistice  having  been  concluded  between  the  United 
States  and  the  tribes  of  Indians  called  Miamies,  Pattawatamies, 
Eel  River,  \Veas,  Ottoways,  Chipper  ays  and  Wyandots,  to 
continue  until  the  pleasure  of  the  government  of  the  former 
shall  be  known — 1  do  hereby  make  known  the  same  to  all  whom  it 
.may  concern.  This  armistice  is  preparatory  to  a  general  council 
to  be  held  with  these  different  tribes,  and  until  its  termination 
they  have  been  permitted  to  retire  to  their  hunting  grounds,  and 
there  to  remain  unmolested,  if  they  behave  themselves  peaceably. 
They  have  surrendered  into  our  hands  hostages  from  each  tribe, 
and  have  agreed  immediately  to  restore  all  our  prisoners  in  their 
possession,  and  to  unite  with  us  in  the  chastisement  of  any  Indians, 
who  may  commit  any  aggression  upon  our  frontiers.  Under  these 
circumstances,  1  exhort  all  citizens  living  upon  the  frontiers  to 
respect  the  terms  of  said  armistice,  and  neither  to  engage  in  nor 
countenance  any  expedition  against  their  persons  or  property : 
leaving  to  the  government,  with  whom  the  consultation  has  left  it, 
to  pursue  such  course,  with  respect  to  the  Indians,  as  they  may 
think  most  compatible  with  sound  policy  and  the  best  interests  of 
the  country. 

Done  at  Detroit,  this  16th  October,  1813. 

WILLIAM  H.  HARRISON. 


October  18th,  1813. 
8111, 

The  fortune  of  war  having  placed  the  private  property  of 
the  officers  and  several  families  of  the  right  division  of  the  British 
army  in  Upper  Canada,  in  yeur  power;  as  also  letters,  papers 


.247 

and  vouchers  of  the  greatest  consequence  to  individuals,  without 
being  of  any  to  the  cause  of  the  captors ;  I  do  myself  the  honour  ot' 
applying  to  you  in  their  behalf,  hoping  that  agreeably  to  the  cus 
tom  of  war,  you  will  avail  yourself  of  this  favourable  opportunity 
to  alleviate  private  feelings,  by  causing  the  said  property  and 
documents  to  be  restored.  I  must  also  intrcat  that  every  consid 
eration  in  your  power  be  shown  for  private  families,  not  of  the 
army.  I  trust  that  with  the  same  view  you  will  permit  the  bearer 
hereof  to  ascertain  the  fate  of  individuals,  and  that  you  will  facili 
tate  the  retreat  of  any  families  that  may  unfortunately  have  been 
interrupted  in  the  attempt. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

HENRY  PROCTOR, 

Maj.  gen.  in  his  B.  Majesty's  service. 
Blaj.  Gen.  W.  H.  Harrison, 

commanding  U.  S.  Army. 


Extracts  of  a  letter  from  general  Wilkinson  to  the  Secretary  of 

War,  dated 

"GRENADIER  ISLAND,  October  28th,  1813. 

"I  send  you  this  by  an  extra  aid -de-camp,  captain  Nourse, 
to  relieve  the  anxiety  to  which  you  must  be  subject,  in  the  im> 
pending  eventful  moment." 

"  The  extent  of  the  injuries  to  our  craft,  the  clothing  and  arms 
of  the  men,  and  to  our  provisions  on  the  passage  from  Sackett's 
Harbor  to  this  place,  greatly  exceeded  our  apprehensions,  and 
has  subjected  us  to  the  necessity  of  furnishing  a  supply  of  cloth 
ing,  and  of  making  repairs  and  equipments  to  our  flotilla  gene 
rally.  In  fact,  all  our  hopes  have  been  very  nearly  blasted ;  but 
thanks  to  the  same  Providence  which  placed  us  in  jeopardy,  we 
are  surmounting  our  difficulties,  and,  God  willing,  I  shall  pass 
Prescott  on  the  night  of  the  1st  or  2d  proximo,  if  some  unforeseen 
obstacle  does  not  present  to  forbid  me.  I  shall  expect  to  hear 
from  you  at  JV1  orris ville,  where  colonel  Swift  is  to  meet  me,  and 
to  guard  against  chance  shots,  I  wish  wagons  would  be  held  in 
readiness  to  receive  our  powder  aud  field  ammunition,  at  a  suita 
ble  distance  above  Prescott." 

"I  keep  up  the  delusion  here;  and  the  enemy,  about  sixteen 
hundred  strong,  exclusive  of  five  hundred  militia,  are  in  daily  ex 
pectation  of  a  visit  at  Kingston,  yet  they  have  taken  post,  I  under 
stand,  at  Cornwall  and  the  Coteau  d*e  Lac.  No  matter:  once 
passed  Prescott,  and  our  bayonets  and  sabres  shall  remove  all 
impediments." 

"The  inexorable  winds  and  rains  continue  to  oppose  and  em 
barrass  our  movements ;  but  I  am  seizing  on  every  moment's  in 
terval  to  slip  into  the  St.  Lawrence  corps  and  detachments,  as 


24S 

they  can  be  got  ready.  Our  rendezvous  will  be  in  Bush  creek, 
about  twenty  miles  below,  and  nearly  opposite  to  Gananoqui, 
which  position  menaces  a  descent  on  the  opposite  shore.  I  shall 
sail  from  that  position  at  4  o'clock  of  the  morning,  and  will  pass 
Prescott  about  the  same  time  the  ensuing  morning." 

"  We  have  had  such  a  fluctuation  of  sick  and  well,  between  this 
place  and  Sackett's  Harbor,  that  it  is  impossible  to  say  in  what 
force  we  shall  move  ;  but  1  calculate  on  6000  coinbatants/exclusive 
of  Scott  and  Randolph,*  neither  of  whom  will,  I  fear,  be  up  in 
season,  notwithstanding  all  my  arrangements  and  exertions  to 
accelerate  their  march :  they  are  both  under  provisional  orders 
from  Ogdensburg." 


WAR  DEPARTMENT,  DENMARK, 

October  30th,  9  o'clock  P.  M. 
DEAR  GENERAL, 

I  this  moment  received  your  despatch  by  captain  Nourse.  I 
rejoice  that  your  difficulties  are  so  rar  surmounted,  as  to  enable 
you  to  say,  with  assurance,  when  you  will  pass  Prescott.  I  should 
nave  met  you  there ;  but  bad  roads,  worse  weather,  and  a  consi 
derable  degree  of  illness,  admonished  me  against  receding  further 
from  a  point  where  my  engagements  call  me,  about  the  1st  proxi 
mo.  The  resolution  of  treading  back  my  steps,  was  taken  at  Ant 
werp,  and  communicated  in  a  letter  from  that  place,  by  major 
Lush.  1  wrote  a  single  line  to  you  to-day,  giving  the  fortunate 
issue  of  Harrison's  business,  and  his  arrival  at  Fort  George  with 
M' Arthur's  brigade.  If  Vincent  be  within  the  peninsula,  Harrison 
will  root  him  out.  It  remains  with  you  to  sweep  the  rest  of  the 
line  before  you.  Montreal  taken,  what  are  Prescott  and  Kings 
ton?  Give  Hampton  timely  notice  of  your  approach,  and  of  the 
place  and  hour  of  junction. 

Yours  sincerely, 

JOHN  ARMSTRONG. 

Major  General  Wilkinson. 

Extracts  of  a  letter  from  general  Wilkinson  to  the  Secretary  of 

War,  dated 

"GRENADIER  ISLAND,  November  1st,  1813.  ' 

"  You  will  perceive  from  the  duplicate  under  cover  (letter  of 
the  28th  of  October)  what  were  my  calculations  four  days  since: 
but  the  winds,  and  waves,  and  rains,  still  prevail,  and  we  have 
made  several  fruitless  attempts  to  turn  Stony  Point,  one  of 
them  at  great  peril  to  3,000  men,  whom  I  seasonably  remanded 
to  the  harbor,  without  the  loss  of  a  life.  Our  sick,  one  hundred 
and  ninety-six  in  number,  have  not  fared  as  well :  they  were 
embarked  in  stout,  comfortable  vessels,  and  sailed,  the  day  before 

*  Scott  and  Randolph  bothjoined. 


249 

yesterday  morning,  for  Sackett's  Harbor,  but  they  were  driven  on 
shore  by  a  storm,  which  continued  with  unremitting  violence  all 
night ;  and  as  no  exertion  could  relieve  them,  I  anticipated  the 
loss  of  the  whole  ;  but  the  tempest  having  abated,  and  the  wind 
shifting  from  south-west  to  north-east,  boats  were  sent  out  yester 
day  morning,  and  doctor  Bull  reports  the  loss  of  three  men  only. 
Other  means  of  transport  will  be  provided  to-morrow,  and  these 
unfortunate  men  will  be  sent  to  the  hospital  at  Sackett's  Harbor." 

"  Brigadier  Brown,  with  his  brigade,  the  light  artillery,  the 
riflemen,  the  volunteers,  the  gunboats,  Bissel's  regiment,  and  a 
part  of  M'Comb's,  are,  I  expect,  safe  at  French  creek,  with  the 
artillery  and  ordnance  stores.  These  corps  have  made  the  tra 
verse  of  the  arms  of  the  lake  under  circumstances  of  great  danger, 
though  fortunately  without  the  loss  of  a  life,  but  at  the  expense  of 
some  boats." 

"  I  shall  wait  one  day  longer,  and  if  the  passage  should  still 
continue  impracticable  to  the  troops  I  will  land  them  on  the 
opposite  shore,  march  them  across  the  country  to  the  St.  Law 
rence,  and  send  the  empty  boats  round  to  a  given  rendezvous." 

"  As  major  general  Hampton  is  under  your  orders,  permit  me 
to  suggest  to  you  what  is  worthy  of  reflection  :  whether  he  should 
take  a  position,  and  wait  the  arrival  of  my  command  near  the 
confluence  of  the  St.  Lawrence  and  Grand  river,  or  whether  he 
should  move  down  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  menace  Chambly  ?  If 
he  is  strong  enough  to  meet  sir  George,  the  latter  will  be  the  pre 
ferable  plan,  because  it  will  have  the  effect  to  divide  the  enemy's 
force  ;  otherwise  he  should  adopt  the  first  idea,  hazard  nothing, 
and  strengthen  my  hands." 

"  The  enclosed  copy  of  a  memorandum  from  colonel  Swift  will 
show  you  what  he  is  about,  I  flatter  myself,  to  your  satisfaction. 
The  sole  unpleasant  circumstance  before  me,  is  our  total  igno 
rance  of  the  preparations  of  sir  George,  and  what  we  may  expect 
to  meet  on  the  island.  I  fear  no  consequences  ;  but  it  must  be 
painful  to  lead  more  than  six  thousand  men  to  battle  hoodwinked; 
and  yet  all  my  efforts  to  procure  intelligence  from  Montreal  have 
proved  fruitless." 


H.  Q.  FOUR  CORNFRS,  November  l»t,  1813. 

SIR, 

On  the  morning  of  the  21st  ultimo  the  army  commenced  its 
movement  down  the  Chateaugay,  for  the  purpose  of  placing  itself 
in  a  situation  which  would  enable  it  to  fulfil  its  part  of  the  pro 
posed  combined  operations  on  the  St.  Lawrence. 

An  extensive  wood  of  eleven  or  twelve  miles  in  front,  block 
aded  up  with  felled  timber,  and  covered  by  the  Indians  and  light 
troops  of  the  enemy,  was  a  serious  impediment  to  the  arduous 
task  of  opening  a  road  for  the  artillery  and  stores.  Brigadier  gen- 

32 


250 

eral  Izard,  with  the  light  troops  and  one  regiment  of  the  line,  wa* 
detached  early  in  the  morning  to  turn  these  impediments  in  flank, 
and  to  seize  on  the  more  open  country  below,  while  the  army, 
preceded  by  a  strong  working  party,  advanced  on  a  more 
circuitous  but  practicable  route  for  a  road.  The  measure,  as 
will  be  seen  by  the  report  of  brigadier  general  T/.ard,  which  I 
have  the  honour  to  inclose,  completely  succeeded,  and  the  main 
body  of  the  army  reached  tl.e  ad>aiiced  position  or?  the  evening 
of  the  22d.  The  23d  and  24th  were  employed  in  completing  the 
road  and  getting  up  the  artillery  and  stores! 

I  had  arranged,  at  my  departure,  under  the  direction  of  major 
Parker,  a  line  of  communication  as  far  up  the  St.  Lawrence  as 
Ogdensburg,  for  the  purpose  of  hastening  to  me  the  earliest  no 
tice  of  the  progress  of  our  army  down.  I  had  surmounted  twenty 
four  miles  of  the  most  difficult  part  of  the  route,  and  had  in  ad 
vance  of  me  seven  miles  of  open  country,  but  at  the  end  of  that 
distance  commenced  a  wood  ot  some  miles  in  extent,  which  had 
been  formed  into  an  entire  abatis  and  filled  by  a  succession  of 
wooden  breast  works,  the  rearmost  of  which  were  supplied  with 
ordnance.  In  front  of  these  defences  were  placed  the  Indian  force 
and  light  corps  of  the  enemy,  and  in  the  rear  all  of  his  disposable 
force.  As  the  extent  of  this  force  depended  upon  his  sense  of 
danger  on  the  St.  Lawrence,  it  was  a  cause  of  regret  that  all 
communication  from  yourself  or  major  Parker  seemed  to  be  at 
an  end.  As  it  was,  however,  believed  that  the  enemy  v\as  hourly 
adding  to  his  strength  in  this  position,  if  free  from  the  apprehen 
sion  of  danger  from  above,  an  effort  was  judged  necessary  to 
dislodge  him,  and  if  it  succeeded,  we  should  be  in  possession  of  a 
position  which  we  could  hold  as  long  as  any  doubts  remained  of. 
what  was  passing  above,  and  of  the  real  part  to  1  e  assigned  us. 

Our  guides  assured  us  of  a  shoal  and  practicable  fording  place 
opposite  the  lower  flank  of  the  enemy's  defences,  and  that  the 
wood  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  a  distance  of  seven  or 
eight  miles,  Mas  practicable  for  the  passage  of  the  troops.  Colo 
nel  Purdy  with  the  light  corps,  and  a  strong  body  oi  infantry  of 
the  line,  was"  detached  at  an  early  hour  of  the  night  of  the  25th  to 
gain  this  ford  by  the  morning,  and  to  commence  his  attack  in  rear, 
and  that  was  to  be  the  signal  for  the  army  to  tall  on  in  front,  arid 
it  was  believed  the  pass  mi<rht  be  carried  before  the  enemy's  dis 
tant  troops  could  be  brought  forward  to  its  support. 

I  had  returned  to  my  quarters  from  Purdy's  column  about  9 
o'clock  at  night,  where  I  found  a  Mr.  Baldwin,  of  the  quarter 
master  general's  department,  who  put  into  my  kinds  an  open  paper 
containing  instructions  to  him  from  the  quarter  master  general, 
respecting  the  building  of  huts  for  the  army  in  the  Chateaugay, 
below  the  line.  This  paper  sunk  my  hopes,  and  raised  sei  sous 
doubts  of  receiving  that  efficacious  support  which  had  been  an 
ticipated.  I  would  have  recalled  the  column,  but  it  was  in  mo 
tion,  and  the  darkness  of  the  night  rendered  it  impracticable. 


251 

I  could  only  go  forward.  The  army  was  put  in  motion  on  the  moi> 
nia^of  the  2<Jth,  leaving  its  baggage,  &c.  on  the  ground  of  en- 
cam  p-ueiit. 

On  advancing  near  the  enemy,  it  was  found  that  the  column  on 
the  opposite  side  was  not  as  far  advanced  as  had  been  anticipa 
ted.  The  guides  had  missed  it,  and  finally  failed  in  finding  the 
ford.  We  could  not  communicate  with  it,*  but  only  awaited  the 
attack  below.  About  2  o'clock  the  firing  commenced,  and  our 
troops  advanced  rapidly  to  the  attack.  The  enemy's  light  tro;>pa 
commenced  a  sharp  fire,  but  brigadier  general  Izard  advanced 
with  his  brigade,  drove  him  every  where  behind  his  defences  and 
silenced  the  fire  in  his  front.  This  brigade  would  have  pushed 
forward  as  far  as  courage,  skill  and  perseverance  could  have 
carried  it  ;  but  on  advancing  it  was  found  that  the  tiring  had  com 
menced  on  the  opposite  side,  and  the  ford  had  not  been  gained. 

The  enemy  retired  behind  his  defences,  but  a  renewal  of  his 
attack  was  expected,  and  the  troops  remained  some  time  in  their 
position  to  meet  it.  The  troops  on  the  opposite  side  were  exces 
sively  fatigued.  The  enterprise  had  failed  in  its  main  point,  and 
colonel  Purdy  was  ordered  to  withdraw  his  column  to  a  shoal 
four  or  five  miles  above,  and  cross  over.  The  day  was  spent,  and 
general  Izard  was  ordered  to  withdraw  his  brigade  to  a  position 
three  miles  in  the  rear,  to  which  place  the  baggage  had  been  or 
dered  forward. 

The  slowness  and  order  with  which  general  Izard  retired  with 
his  brigade,  could  but  have  inspired  the  enemy  with  respect. 
They  presumed  not  to  venture  a  shot  at  him  during  his  movement ; 
but  the  unguardedness  ot  some  part  of  Purdy's  command  exposed 
him  to  a  rear  attack  from  the  Indians,  which  was  repeated  after 
dark,  and  exposed  him  to  some  loss.  These  attacks  were  always 
repelled,  and  must  have  cost  the  enemy  as  many  lives  as  we  lost. 
Our  entire  loss  of  killed,  wounded  and  missing,  does  not  exceed 
fifty.  In  its  new  position  within  three  miles  of  the  enemy's  post, 
the  army  encamped  on  the  night  of  the  26th,  and  remained  until 
12  o'clock  of  the  28th.  All  the  deserters,  of  whom  there  were  four, 
having  concurred  in  the  information  that  sir  George  Prevost, 
with  three  other  general  officers,  had  arrived  with  the  whole  of 
his  disposable  force,  and  lay  in  the  rear  of  these  defences,  and  a 
letter  from  major  Parker  (by  express  received  on  the  evening  of 
the  26th)  having  informed  me  that  no  movements  of  our  army 
down  the  St.  Lawrence  had  been  heard  of  at  Ogdensburg,  and  for 
some  distance  above  ;  the  following  questions  were  submitted  to 
commanding  officers  of  brigades,  regiments,  and  corps,  and  the 
heads  of  the  general  staff,  in  a  council  convened  for  the  purpose : 
"  Is  it  advisable,  under  existing  circumstances,  to  renew  the  at 
tack  on  the  enemy's  position,  and  if  not,  what  position  is  it  advis- 
sable  for  the  army  to  take,  until  it  can  receive  advices  of  the 
advance  of  the  grand  army  down  the  St.  Lawrence  ?"  Th« 
opinion  of  the  council  was  expressed  in  the  following  words  : 


252 

"  It  is  the  unanimous  opinion  of  tins  council,  that  it  is  neces 
sary,  for  the  preservation  of  this  army  and  the  fulfilment  of  the 
ostensible  views  of  the  government,  that  we  immediately  return 
by  orderly  marches  to  such  a  position  (Chateaugay)  as  will  se 
cure  our  communications  with  the  United  States,  either  to  retire 
into  winter  quarters,  or  to  be  ready  to  strike  below."  In  pursu 
ance  of  this  opinion,  the  army  has  returned  by  slow  marches  to 
this  place,  and  now  awaits  the  orders  of  the'  government.  Its 
condition  will  be  stated  by  the  bearer,  colonel  King,  who  can  give 
you,  upon  every  point,  more  full  and  perfect  information,  than 
could  be  contained  in  a  written  detail. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

W.  HAMPTON. 
Honourable  John  Armstrong1, 

Secretary  of  War. 


HEAD  QUARTERS,  FORT  GEORGE,  November  3d,  1813. 

SIR, 

Lieutenant  Le  Breton,  an  officer  in  your  service,  arrived  at 
Detroit  on  the  15th  ultimo,  bearing  a  flag  and  a  letter  to  me  from 
general  Proctor,  requesting  humane  treatment  for  the  prisoners  in 
my  possession,  and  the  restoration  of  private  property  and  papers. 
This  letter  was  directed  to  me  at  the  Moravian  towns ;  and  as 
the  subject  was  not  of  the  importance  to  authorize  the  lieutenant's 
pursuing  me  to  Detroit,  I  was  somewhat  surprised  at  his  doing 
so.  It  did  not  appear  to  me  proper  to  permit  him  to  return  in 
that  way,  and  as  I  was  on  the  point  of  setting  out  for  this  frontier 
by  water,  I  conceived  that  that  mode  of  conveyance  would  be  full 
as  agreeable  to  him,  and  would  enable  him  to  meet  general  Proc 
tor  as  expeditiously  as  by  the  land  route.  I  regret  that  the  bad 
ness  of  the  weather,  and  other  causes  which  he  will  explain,  have 
detained  him  until  this  time. 

Understanding  that  you  are  the  senior  officer,  I  have  determin 
ed  to  address  my  answer  to  you.  With  respect  to  the  subject  of 
general  Proctor's  letter,  those  which  I  have  the  honour  to  enclose 
to  you  from  the  British  officers,  who  were  taken  on  the  5th  ultimo, 
to  their  friends,  and  the  report  of  Mr.  Le  Breton,  will  satisfy  you 
that  no  indulgence  which  humanity  could  claim  in  their  favour, 
or  the  usages  of  \var  sanction,  has  been  withheld.  The  disposi 
tion  of  the  property  taken  on  the  field  of  action,  or  near  it,  was 
left  to  the  commanding  officer  at  Detroit.  The  instructions  given 
to  that  gentleman,  and  the  '••'ell  known  generosity  of  his  character, 
will  insure  to  the  claimants  the  utmost  justice  and  liberality  in 
his  decisions.  In  making  this  statement,  I  wish  it,  however,  to 
be  distinctly  understood,  that  my  conduct,  with  regard  to  the  pri 
soners  and  property  taken,  has  been  dictated  solely  by  motives  of 
humanity,  arid  not  by  a  belief  that  it  could  be  claimed  upon  the 
score  of  reciprocity  of  treatment  towards  the  American  prisoners 


253 

who  had  fallen  into  the  hands  of  general  Proctor.  The  unhappy 
description  of  persons  who  have  escaped  from  the  tomahawk  of 
the  savages  in  the  employment  of  the  British  government,  who 
foujjht  under  the  immediate  orders  of  that  officer,  have  suffered 
all  the  indignities  and  deprivations  which  human  nature  is  capa 
ble  of  supporting.  There  is  no  single  instance  that  I  have  heard 
of,  in  which  the  property  of  the  officers  has  been  respected.  But 
I  am  far  from  believing  that  the  conduct  of  general  Proctor  has  been 
thought  an  example  worthy  of  imitation  by  the  greater  part  of  the 
British  officers  ;  and  in  the  character  of  general  Vincent,  [  have  a 
pledge  that  he  will  unite  his  exertions  with  mine,  to  soften  as 
much  as  possible  the  fate  of  those  whom  the  fortune  of  war  may 
reciprocally  place  in  our  power. 

But,  sir,  there  is  another  subject  upon  which  I  wish  an  explicit 
declaration.  Will  the  Indians  who  still  adhere  to  the  cause  of 
his  Britannic  majesty,  be  suffered  to  continue  that  horrible  species 
of  warfare  which  they  have  heretofore  practiced  against  our  troops, 
and  those  still  more^horrible  depredations  upon  the  peaceable  in 
habitants  of  ouj-  frontiers?  I  have  sufficient  evidence  to  show 
that  even  the  latter  have  not  always  been  perpetrated  by  small 
parties  of  vagrant  Indians,  acting  at  a  distance  from  the  British 
army.  Some  of  the  most  atrocious  instances  have  occurred  under 
the  eyes  of  the  British  commander  and  the  head  of  the  Indian 
department.  1  shall  pass  by  the  tragedy  of  the  river  Raisin,  and 
that  equally  well  known  which  was  acted  on  the  Miami  river, 
after  the  defeat  of  colonel  Dudley,  and  select  three  other  instances 
of  savage  barbarity  committed  under  the  auspices  of  general 
Proctor:  In  the  beginning  of  June,  a  small  party,  of  Indians, 
conducted  by  an  Ottawa  chief,  who  I  believe  is  now  with  the 
British  army  under  your  command,  left  Maiden  in  bark  canoes, 
in  which  they  coasted  lake  Erie  to  the  mouth  of  Portage  river ;  the 
canoes  were  taken  across  the  Portage  to  the  S and u sky  bay,  over 
which  the  party  proceeded  to  the  mouth  of  Cold  creek,  and  from 
thence  by  land  to  the  settlements  upon  that  river,  where  they  cap 
tured  three  families,  consisting  of  one  man  twelve  women  and 
children.  After  taking  the  prisoners  some  distance,  one  of  the 
women  was  discovered  to  be  unable  to  keep  up  with  them,  in 
consequence  of  her  advanced  state  of  pregnancy.  She  was  imme 
diately  tomahawked,  stript  naked,  her  womb  ripped  open,  and  the 
child  taken  out.  Three  or  four  of  the  children  were  successively 
butchered  as  they  discovered  their  inability  to  keep  up  with  the 
party.  Upon  the  arrival  of  the  Indians  at  Maiden,  two  or  three 
of  the  prisoners  were  ransomed  by  colonel  Elliott,  and  the  others 
by  the  citizens  of  Detroit,  where  they  remained  until  they  were 
taken  off  by  their  friends  upon  the  recovery  of  that  place  by 
our  army.  I  have  been  informed  that  the  savage  chief  received 
from  colonel  Elliott  a  reprimand  for  his  cruelty. 

On  the  29th  or  30th  of  the  same  month,  a  large  party  of  Indians 
were  sent  from  Maiden  on  a  war  expedition  to  Lower  Sanduskyj 


254 

At  a  farm  house,  wear  that  place,  they  murdered  the  whole  family, 
consisting  of  a  man,  his  wife,  son  aud  d&ughter. 

During  the  last  attack  upon  Fort  Meigs  by  general  Proctor,  a 
party  headed  by  a  Seneca,  and  intimate  friend  of  Tecumseh's, 
was  sent  to  endeavour  to  detach  from  our  interest  the  Shawanese 
of  Wapockanata.  In  their  way  hither  they  murdered  several 
men  and  one  woman,  who  was  working  in  her  cornfield. 

I  have  selected,  sir,  the  above  from  a  long  list  of  similar  in 
stances  of  barbarity,  which  the  history  of  the  last  fifteen  months 
could  furnish ;  because  they  were  perpetrated,  if  not  in  the 
view  of  the  British  commander,  by  parties  who  came  immediately 
from  his  camp  and  returned  to  it ;  who  even  received  their  daily 
support  from  the  king's  stores,  and  who,  in  fact,  (as  the  documents 
in  mv  possession  will  show)  form  part  of  his  army. 

To  retaliate  then  upon  the  subjects  of  the  king  would  have  been 
justifiable  by  the  laws  of  war  and  the  usages  of  the  most  civilized 
nations.  To  do  so  has  been  amply  in  my  power.  The  tide  of 
fortune  has  changed  in  our  favour,  and  an  extensive  and  flou 
rishing  province  opened  to  our  arms.  Nor  have  instruments  of 
vengeance  been  wanting.  The  savages  who  sued  to  us  for 
mercy  would  gladly  have  shown  their  claims  to  it,  by  re-acting 
upon  Thames  the  bloudy  scenes  of  Sandusky  and  Cold  creek.  A 
single  sign  of  approbation  would  have  been  sufficient  to  pour  upon 
the  subjects  of  the  king  their  whole  fury.  The  future  conduct  of 
the  British  officers  will  determine  the  correctness  of  mine  in  with 
holding  it.  If  the  savages  should  be  again  let  loose  upon  our  set 
tlements,  I  shall  with  justice  be  accused  of  having  sacrificed  the 
interests  and  honour  of  my  country,  and  the  lives  of  our  fellow- 
citizens  to  feelings  of  false  and  mistaken  humanity.  You  are 
a  soldier,  sir,  and  as  I  sincerely  believe,  possess  all  the  honourable 
sentiments  which  ought  always  to  be  found  in  men  who  follow 
the  profession  of  arms.  Use  then,  I  pray  you,  your  authori 
ty  and  influence  to  stop  that  dreadful  effusion  of  innocent  blood, 
which  proceeds  from  the  employment  of  those  savage  monsters, 
whose  aid  (as  must  now  be  discovered)  is  so  little  to  be  depended 
upon  when  it  is  most  wanted,  and  which  can  have  so  trifling  an 
effect  upon  the  issue  of  the  war.  The  effect  of  their  barbarities 
will  not  be  confined  to  the  present  generation.  Ages  yet  to 
come  will  feel  the  deep  rooted  hatred  and  enmity  which  they 
must  produce  between  the  two  nations. 

I  deprecate  most  sincerely  the  dreadful  alternative  which  will  be 
offered  to  me  should  they  be  continued ;  but  1  solemnly  declare, 
that  if  the  Indians  that  remain  under  the  influence  of  the  British 
government,  are  suffered  to  commit  any  depredations  upon,the  citi 
zens  within  the  district  that  is  committed  to  my  protection,  I  will 
remove  the  restrictions  which  have  hitherto  been  imposed  upon. 
those  who  have  offered  their  services  to  the  United  States,  and  di 
rect  them  to  carry  on  the  war  in  their  own  way.  I  have  never  heard 
u  single  excuse  for  the  employment  of  the  savages  by  your  guv- 


355 

eminent,  unless  we  can  credit  the  story  of  some  British  officer  hav 
ing  d.ired  to  assert,  that  "  as  we  employed  the  Kmtuckians,  you  had 
a  right  to  make  use  of  the  Indians."  If  such  injurious  sentiments 
have  really  prevailed,  to  the  prejudice  of  a  brave,  well-informed, 
and  virtuous  people,  it  will  be  removed  by  the  representations  of 
your  officers  who  w7ere  lately  taken  on  the  river  Thames.  They 
will  inform  you,  sir,  that  so  far  from  offering  any  violence  to  the 
persons  of  their  prisoners,  these  savages  would  not  permit  a  word 
to  escape  them  which  was  calculated  to  wound  or  insult  their  feel 
ings,  and  this  too,  with  the  sufferings  of  their  friends  and  relatives, 
at~the  river  Raisin  and  Miami,  fresh  upon  their  recollection.  I 
pledge  myself  for  the  truth  of  the  above  statements  in  relation  to 
the  murders  committed  by  the  Indians. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

WILLIAM  H.  HARRISON. 
&I  ajor  general  Vincent. 


VICTORY  OVER  THE  CREEKS. 

CAMP  AT  TEN  ISLANDS,  November  4th,  1813; 

SIR, 

I  had  the  honour,  yesterday,  of  transmitting  you  a  short 
account  of  an  engagement  that  took  place  between  a  detachment 
of  about  900  men  from  my  brigade,  with  the  enemy  at  Tallus- 
hatches  town ;  the  particulars  whereof,  I  beg  herein  to  recite  you. 
Pursuant  to  your  order  of  the  2d,  I  detailed  from  my  brigade  of 
cavalry  and  mounted  riflemen,  900  men  arid  officers,  and  proceed 
ing  directly  to  the  Tallushatches  towns,  crossed  Coosy  river  at 
the  Fish  Dam  ford,  three  or  four  miles  above  this  place.  1  ar 
rived  within  one  and  a  half  miles  of  the  town  (distant  from  this 
place  south-east,  eight  miles)  on  the  morning  of  the  3d,  at  which 
place  1  di-  ided  my  detachment  into  two  columns,  the  right  com 
posed  of  the  cavalry  commanded  by  colonel  All  corn,  to  cross  over 
a  large  creek  that  lay  between  us  and  the  towns  :  the  left  column 
was  of  the  mounted  riflemen,  under  the  command  of  colonel 
Cannon,  with  whom  I  marched  myself.  Colonel  Allcorn  was  or 
dered  to  march  up  on  the  right,  and  encircle  one  half  of  the  town, 
and  at  the  same  time  the  left  would  form  a  half  circle  on  the  left, 
and  unite  the  head  of  the  columns  in  front  of  the  to\vn:  all  of 
which  was  performed  as  I  could  wish.  When  1  arrived  within 
half  a  mile  of  the  town,  the  drums  of  the  enemy  be  -an  to  I-enl, 
mingled  with  their  savage  veils  preparing  for  action,  it  v.  as  after 
tun-rise  an  hour,  when  the  action  was  brought  on  by  captain  Ham 
mond  and  lieutenant  Patterson's  companies,  who  had  pone  on 
w,-  TU  the  circle  of  alignment,  for  the  purpose  of  drawing  out  the 
enemy  from  their  buildings,  which  had  tl:e  most  happy  effect. 
A;  ,-oon  as  captain  Hammond  exhibited  1  is  front  in  view  of  the 
to\  n,  (vhirh  si«.od  ui  o]  en  \\oo< ,U.hd)  and  gave  a  few  scattering 
shot,  the  enemy  formed  and  made  a  violent  charge  on  him ;  he 


256 

gave  way  as  they  advanced,  until  they  met  our  right  column, 
which  gave  them  a  general  fire,  and  then  charged ;  this  changed 
the  direction  of  the  charge  completely ;  the  enemy  retreated  firing, 
until  they  got  around,  and  in  their  buildings,  where  they  made 
all  the  resistance  that  an  overpowered  soldier  could  do ;  they 
fought  as  long  as  one  existed,  but  their  destruction  was  very  soon 
completed ;  our  men  rushed  up  to  the  doors  of  the  houses,  and 
in  a  few  minutes  killed  the  last  warrior  of  them ;  the  enemy 
fought  with  savage  fury,  and  met  death  with  all  its  horrors,  with 
out  shrinking  or  complaining :  not  one  asked  to  be  spared,  but 
fought  as  long  as  they  could  stand  or  sit.  In  consequence  of  their 
flying  to  their  houses  and  mixing  with  the  families,  our  men,  in 
killing  the  males,  without  intention  killed  and  wounded  a  few  of 
the  squaws  and  children,  which  was  regretted  by  every  officer  and 
soldier  of  the  detachment,  but  which  could  not  be  avoided. 

The  number  of  the  enemy  killed,  was  186  that  were  counted, 
and  a  number  of  others  that  were  killed  in  the  weeds  not  found. 
I  think  the  calculation  a  reasonable  one,  to  say  200  of  them  were 
killed,  and  84  prisoners,  of  women  and  children,  were  taken  ; 
not  one  of  the  warriors  escaped  to  carry  the  news,  a  circumstance 
unknown  heretofore. 

We  lost  five  men  killed,  and  41  wounded,  none  mortally,  the 
greater  part  slightly,  a  number  with  arrows  :  this  appears  to  form 
a  very  principal  part  of  the  enemy's  arms  for  warfare,  every  man 
having  a  bow  with  a  bundle  of  arrows,  which  is  used  after  the 
first  fire  with  the  gun,  until  a  leisure  time  for  loading  offers. 

It  is  with  pleasure  I  say,  that  our  men  acted  with  deliberation 
and  firmness  ;  notwithstanding  our  numbers  were  superior  to  that 
of  the  enemy,  it  was  a  circumstance  to  us  unknown,  and  from  the 
parade  of  the  enemy,  we  had  every  reason  to  suppose  them  our 
equals  in  number :  but  there  appeared  no  visible  traces  of  alarm 
in  any,  but  on  the  contrary,  all  appeared  cool  and  determined, 
and  no  doubt  when  they  face  a  foe  of  their  own,  or  superior  num 
ber,  thej  will  show  the  same  courage  as  on  this  occasion. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

JOHN  COFFEE, 
Brig.  Gen.  of  Cavalry  and  riflemen. 

Major  general  Andrew  Jackson. 


SACKETT'S  HARBOR,  November  6th,  1813. 
SIR, 

As  I  have  reason  to  believe  that  the  Royal  George,  Prince 
Regent,  and  Duke  of  Gloucester,  have  gone  up  the  lake,  with 
troops  to  reinforce  Fort  George ;  and  as  I  have  to  believe  that 
other  troops  are  waiting  at  Kingston  for  their  return,  destined  for 
the  same  port,  I  have  determined  to  proceed  with  the  force  I 
have  ready,  in  quest  of  the  enemy.  My  present  intention  is,  to 
take  a  position  on  the  Canada  shore,  near  some  small  islands, 


called  the  "  False  Ducks,"  where  the  enemy  arc  obliged  to 
and  where  I  will  wait  their  return  to  Kingston.     It  I  should  suc 
ceed  in    my  enterprise  (which  I  have  but  little  doubt  of)  I  shall 
make  an  attack  upon  Kingston,  for  the  purpose  of  destroying  the 
guns  and  public  stores  at  that  station. 

I  shall  proceed  for  my  station  this  evening,  or  to-morrow 
morning,  with  the  following  vessels,  to  wit :  brig  Oneida,  arid 
schooners  Hamilton,  Governor  Tompkins,  Conquest,  Growler,  Ju 
lia  and  Pert ;  mounting  altogether  40  guns,  of  different  calibres, 
and  430  men,  including  marines. 

With  this  force  I  hope  to  give  a  good  account  of  the  enemy, 
although  he  is  more  than  double  our  force  in  guns  and  men.  His 
consists  of  the  following  vessels,  as  nearly  as  I  can  ascertain,  to 
wit:  the  ship  Royal  George,  26  guns,  260  men  ;  ship  Earl  Moira, 
18  guns,  200  men;  Schooners  Prince  Regent,  18  guns,  150  men; 
Duke  of  Gloucester,  14  guns,  80  men  ;  Governor  Simcoe,  12  guns, 
70  men ;  Seneca,  4  guns,  40  men ;  making  a  grand  total  of  108 
guns,  and  890  men. 

The^officers  and  men,  under  my  command,  are  all  extremely 
unxious  to  meet  the  enemy.  We  cannot  command  success,  but- 
we  will  endeavour  to  deserve  it. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

ISAAC  CHAUNCEY, 

The  Hon.  Paul  Hamilton,  &c, 

PROCLAMATION. 

The  following  proclamation  to  the  inhabitants  of  Canada, 
was  issued  by  general  Wilkinson,  on  his  passage  down  the  St. 
Lawrence. 

JAMES  WILKINSON, 

Major  general,  and  commander  in  chief  of  an  expedition  against 
the  Canadtis,  to  the  inhabitants  thereof: 

The  army  of  the  United  States,  wrhich  I  have  the  honour  to 
command,  invades  these  provinces  to  conquer,  not  to  destroy ;  to 
subdue  the  forces  of  his  Britannic  majesty,  not  to  war  against  hii 
unoffending  subjects ;— those,  therefore,  among  you,  who  remaia 
quiet  at  home,  should  victory  incline  to  the  American  standard, 
shall  be  protected  in  their  persons  and  property.  But  those  who 
are  found  in  arms,  must  necessarily  be  treated  as  avowed  enemies. 

To  menace  is  unjust — to  seduce  dishonourable — yet  it  is  just 
and  humane  to  place  these  alternatives  before  you. 

Done  at  the  head  quarters  of  the  army  of  the  United 
States,  this  6th  day  of  November,  1813,  near  Ogdens- 
burg,  on  the  river  St.  Lawrence. 

JAMES  WILKINSON. 
By  the  general's  command, 

N.  PINKNEY,  Major  tmd  <ri 
33 


258 

HEAD  QUARTERS  OF  THE  ARMY,  7  MILES  ABOV^  OGDENSBURG, 

koven.ber  bth, 1813,  (in  the  evening-.) 

SIR, 

I  address  you  at  the  special  instance  of  the  Secretary  of 
war,  \vho,  by  bad  roads,  worse  weather,  and  ill  health,  was  divert 
ed  from  meeting  me  near  this  place,  and  determined  to  tread 
back  his  steps  to  Washington  from  Antwerp  on  the  SSth  ultimo. 

I  am  destined  to,  and  determined  on,  the  attack  of  Montreal,  if 
not  prevented  by  some  act  of  God  ;  and  to  give  security  to  the 
enterprise,  the  division  under  your  command  must  co-operate 
with  the  corps  under  my  immediate  orders.  The  point  of  ren 
dezvous  is  the  circumstance  of  greatest  interest  to  the  issue  of 
this  operation,  and  the  distance  which  separates  us,  and  my  ig 
norance  of  the  practicability  of  the  direct  or  devious  roads  or 
routes  by  which  you  must  march,  makes  it  necessary  that  your  own 
judgment  should  determine  the  point.  To  assist  you  in  forming 
the  soundest  determination,  and  to  take  the  most  prompt  and 
effectual  measures,  I  can  only  inform  you  of  my  intentions  and 
situation  in  one  or  two  respects  of  first  importance.  I  shall  pass 
Prescott  to  night,  because  the  stage  of  the  season  will  not  allow 
me  three  days  to  take  it ;  shall  cross  the  cavalry  at  Hamilton, 
which  will  not  require  a  day  ;  I  shall  then  press  forward  arid 
break  down  every  obstruction  to  the  confluence  of  this  river  with 
Grand  river,  there  to  cross  to  the  isle  Perrot,  and  with  my  scows 
to  bridge  the  narrow  inner  channel,  and  thi^s  obtain  foothold  on 
Montreal  Island,  at  about  20  miles  from  the  city :  after  which  our 
artillery,  bayonets,  and  swords,  must  secure  our  triumph,  or  provide 
us  honourable  graves. 

Inclosed  you  have  a  memorandum  of  iield  and  battering  train 
pretty  well  found  in  mixed  ammunition,  which  may  enable  you  to 
dismiss  your  own  ;  but  we  are  deficient  in  loose  powder  and  mus 
ket  cartridges,  and  therefore  hope  you  may  be  abundantly  found. 

On  the  subject  of  provisions  I  wish  I  could  give  as  favourable 
information  ;  our  whole  stock  of  bread  may  be  computed  at  about 
fifteen  days,  and  our  meat  at  twenty.  In  speakhig  on  this  sub 
ject  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  he  informed  me  ample  magazines 
were  laid  upon  Lake  Champlain,  and  therefore  I  must  request  of 
you  to  order  forward  two  or  three  months'  supply  by  the  safest 
route  in  a  direction  to  the  proposed  scene  of  action.  I  have 
submitted  the  state  of  our  provisions  to  my  general  officers,  who 
unanimously  agree  that  it  should  not  prevent  the  progress  of  the 
expedition  /and  they  also  agree  in  opinion,  that  if  you  are  not  in 
force  to  face  the  enemy,  you  should  meet  us  at  St.  Regis  or  its 
vicinity. 

I  shall  expect  to  hear  from,  if  not  see  you,  at  that  place  on  the 
9th  or  10  instant. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  £c. 

JAMES  WILKINSON. 
Major  General  Hampton. 


259 
NEW  YORK,  November  7th,  1813 

SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  inform  you  of  the  re-capture  of  the 
American  schooner  Sparrow,  of  Baltimore,  from  New-Orleans 
bound  to  this  port,  laden  with  sugar  and  lead.  On  the  3d  the 
eneny's  ship  rlantagenet,  chased  the  said  vessel  on  shore  --ear 
Long  Branch,  six  miles  distant  from  where  the  flotilla  is  station 
ed,  and  took  possession  of  her  with  about  100  men.  A  detachment 
from  the  flotilla  marched  against  them,  attacked  them,  drove  them 
from  on  board  the  vessel,  and  took  possession  under  the  fire  of  the 
enemy's  ship  anil  barges.  In  the  affair  we  lost  one  man  ;  the 
enemy's  loss  must  have  been  considerable,  as  many  have  been 
seen  to  fail.  'The  whole  cargo,  together  with  sails,  rigging,  &c. 
have  been  saved,  vessel  bilged. 

I  have  honour  to  be,  &c. 

J.  LEWIS. 

Secretary  of  the  Navy. 

HEAT)  QUARTERS,  FOUR  CORNERS,  November  8th  1813- 
SIR, 

I  had  the  honour  to  receive,  at  a  late  hour  last  evening,  by 
colonel  King,  your  communication  of  the  6th,  and  was  deeply  im 
pressed  with  the  sense  of  responsibility  it  imposed,  of  deciding 
upon  the  means  of  our  co-operation.  The  idea  suggested  as  the 
opinion  of  your  officers,  of  effecting  the  junction  at  St.  Regis, 
was  most  pleasing,  as  being  the  most  immediate,  until  I  came  to 
the  disclosure  of  the  amount  of  your  supplies  of  provision. 
Colonel  Atkinson  will  explain  the  reasons  that  would  have  ren 
dered  it  impossible  for  me  to  have  brought  more  than  each  man 
could  have  carried  on  his  back;  and  when  I  reflected  that  in 
throwing  myself  upon  your  scanty  means,  I  should  be  weakening 
you  in  your  most  vulnerable  point,  I  did  riot  hesitate  to  adopt  the 
opinion',  after  consulting  the  general  and  principal  officers,  that  by 
throwing  myself  back  on  my  main  depot,  when  all  the  means  of 
transportation  had  gone,  and  falling  upon  the  enemy's  flank,  and 
Straining  every  effort  to  open  a  communication  from  Plattsburg 
to  Coghnawaga,  or  any  point  you  may  indicate  on  the  St.  Law 
rence,  I  should  more  effectually  contribute  to  your  success,  than 
by  the  junction  at  St.  Regis.  The  way  is  in  many  places  block 
aded  and  abatted,  and  the  road  impracticable  for  wheel  carriages 
during  winter,  but  by  the  employment  of  pack  horses,  if  I  am  not 
overpowered,  I  hope  to  be  able  to  prevent  your  starving.  I  have 
ascertained  and  witnessed  the  plan  of  the  enemy  is  to  burn  and 
consume  every  thing  in  our  advance.  My  troops  and  other  means 
will  be  described  to  you  by  colonel  Atkinson.  Besides  the  raw 
ness  and  sickliness,  they  have  endured  fatigues  equal  to  a  winter 
campaign,  in  the  late  snows  and  bad  weather,  and  are  sadly  dis 
pirited  and  fillen  off;  but  upon  this  subject,  I  must  refer  you  to 
colonel  Atkinson. 


#60 

With  thesfc  means,  what  can  be  accomplished  by  human  exer 
tion,  I  will  attempt.  With  a  mind  devoted  to  the  general  objects 
of  the  campaign, 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

W.  HAMPTON. 
His  excellency  maj.  gen.  James  Wilkinson. 

HEAD  QUARTERS,  BURLINGTON  HFKJHT*, 

November  10th,  1813., 

SIR, 

Lieutenant  Le  Breton  having  delivered  your  letter  of  the  3ft 
instant*  I  have  directed  captain  Merritt,  of  the  Provincial  dra 
goons,  to  proceed  with  a  flag  to  fort  George,  as  the  bearer  of  this 
acknowledgment  of  your  obliging  communication. 

The  account  given  of  the  British  officers,  whom  the  fortune 
of  war  has  lately  placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  United  States,  is 
such  as  cannot  fail  affording  very  consoling  reflections  to  this 
army  and  their  anxious  friends. 

Though  you  must  be  sensible  there  are  several  points  in  your 
letter,  respecting  which  it  is  wholly  beyond  my  power  to  afford 
you  the  satisfaction  of  an  "  explicit  declaration,"  yet,  be  assured, 
sir,  I  shall  never  feel  the  smallest  degree  of  hesitation  in  joining 
you  in  any  pledge,  that  it  will  ever  be  my  anxious  wish  and  endea 
vour  to  alleviate  as  much  as  possible  the  fate  of  those  who  may  fall 
into  my  power  by  the  chances  of  war. 

Believe  me,  sir,  I  deprecate  as  strongly  as  yourself,  the  perpe 
tration  of  acts  of  cruelty  committed  under  any  pretext ;  and  shall 
lament  equally  with  yourself  that  any  state  of  things  should  pro 
duce  them.  No  efforts  of  mine  will  be  ever  wanting  to  diminish 
the  evils  of  a  state  of  warfare,  as  far  as  may  be  consistent  with 
the  duties  which  are  due  to  my  king  and  country. 

The  Indians,  when  acting  in  conjunction  with  the  troops  under 
my  command,  have  been  invariably  exhorted  to  mercy,  and  have 
never  been  deaf  to  my  anxious  entreaties  on  this  interesting  subject. 

I  shall  not  fail  to  transmit  the  original  of  your  letter  to  the 
Lower  Province,  for  the  consideration  of  his  excellency  the  com 
mander  of  the  forces. 

I  feel  particularly  anxious  to  be  made  acquainted  with  your  in 
structions  relative  to  the  disposal  of  the  gallant  and  truly  un 
fortunate  captain  Barclay,  whose  wounds,  I  lament  to  hear,  are 
such  as  to  preclude  all  hope  of  his  being  ever  again  able  to  resume 
the  honourable  duties  of  his  station.  Under  these  circumstances 
I  am  induced  to  rely  on  your  liberality  and  generous  interference 
to  obtain  a  release  or  parole,  that  he  may  be  allowed  the  indul 
gence  of  immediately  proceeding  to  the  Lower  Province. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

JOHN  VINCENT, 
Major  general^  British  army. 
Ills  excellency  maj.  general  Harrison 


261 

Bij  his  Excellency, 
MARTIN  CHITTENDEN,  Esq. 

Governor,  captain  general,  and  commander  in  chief  in  and  over 
the  state  of  Vermont. 

A  PROCLAMATION. 

Whereas  it  appears,  that  the  third  brigade  of  the  3d 
division  of  militia  01  this  state,  has  been  ordered  from  our  fron 
tiers  to  the  defence  of  a  neighbouring  state  ;  and  whereas  it  further 
appears,  to  the  extreme  regret  of  the  captain  general,  that  a  part  of 
the  militia  of  said  brigade  have  been  placed  under  the  command, 
and  at  the  disposal  of,  an  officer  of  the  United  States,  out  of  the 
jurisdiction  or  controul  of  the  executive  of  this  state,  and  have  been 
actually  marched  to  the  defence  of  a  sister  state,  fully  compe 
tent  to  all  the  purposes  of  self-defence,  whereby  an  extensive 
section  of  our  own  frontier  is  left,  in  a  measure,  unprotected, 
and  the  peaceable,  good  citizens  thereof  are  put  in  great  jeopardy, 
and  exposed  to  the  retaliatory  incursions  and  ravages  of  an  exas 
perated  enemy ;  and  whereas  disturbances  of  a  very  serious  na 
ture  are  believed  to  exist,  in  consequence  of  a  portion  of  the 
militia  having  been  thus  ordered  out  of  the  state  : 

Therefore — to  the  end  that  these  great  evils  may  be  provided 
against,  and  as  far  as  may  be,  prevented  for  the  future: 

Be  it  known,  that  such  portion  of  the  militia  of  said  3d  division 
as  may  be  now  doing  duty  in  the  state  of  New  York,  or  elsewhere, 
beyond  the  limits  of  this  state,  both  officers  and  men,  are  hereby 
ordered  and  directed,  by  the  captain  general  and  commander  in 
chief  of  the  militia  of  the  state  of  Vermont,  forthwith  to  return 
to  the  respective  places  of  their  usual  residence,  within  the  terri 
torial  limits  of  said  brigade,  and  there  to  hold 'themselves  in  con 
stant  readiness  to  act  in  obedience  to  the  orders  of  brigadier 
general  Jacob  Davis,  who  is  appointed,  by  the  legislature  of  this 
state,  to  the  command  of  said  brigade. 

And  the  said  brigadier  general  Jacob  Davis  is  hereby  ordered 
and  directed,  forthwith,  to  see  that  the  militia  of  his  said  brigade 
be  completely  armed  and  equipped,  as  the  law  directs,  and  held 
in  constant  readiness  to  march  on  the  shortest  notice,  to  the  defence 
of  the  frontiers:  and,  in  case  of  actual  invasion,  without  further 
orders,  to  march  with  his  said  brigade,  to  act,  either  in  co-opera 
tion  with  the  troops  of  the  United  States,  or  separately,  as  cir 
cumstances  may  require,  in  repelling  the  enemy  from  our  terri 
tory,  and  in  protecting  the  good  citizens  of  this  state  from  the 
ravages  of  hostile  incursions. 

And  in  case  of  an  event,  so  seriously  to  be  deprecated,  it  is 
hoped  and  expected  that  every  citizen,  without  distinction  of 
party,  will  fly  at  once  to  the  nearest  post  of  danger,  and  that  the 
only  rallying  word  be — "  our  country/' 


262 

Feeling,  as  the  captain  general  does,  the  weight  of  responsi 
bility  which  rests  upon  him,  with  regard  to  the  constitutional  du 
ties  of  the  militia,  and  the  sacred  rights  of  our  citizens  to  pro 
tection  from  this  great  class  of  the  community,  so  essentially 
necessary  in  all  free  countries  :  at  a  moment  too,  when  they  are  so 
eminently  exposed  to  the  dangers  of  hostile  incursions  and  do 
mestic  difficulties  he  cannot  conscientiously  discharge  the  trust 
reposed  in  him  by  the  voice  of  his  felloe  citizen-,  and  by  the 
constitutions  of  this  state  and  the  United  States,  without  an  une 
quivocal  declaration,  that,  in  his  opinion,  the  military  strength 
and  resources  of  this  state  must  be  reserved  for  its  ovvn  defence 
and  protection,  exclusively;  excepting  in  cases  provided  for  by 
the  constitution  of  the  United  States  ;  and  then,  under  orders 
derived  only  from  the  commander  in  chief. 

Given  under  my  hand  at  Montpelier,  this  10th  day  of  Novem 
ber,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1813,  and  of  the  independence  of 
the  United  States,  the  38th. 

MARTIN  CHITTENDEN. 
By  his  excellency's  command, 

SAMUEL  SWIFT,  Secretary. 


ANSWER 
To  Governor  Chittenden's  Proclamation. 

To  his  Excellency 
MARTIN  CHITTENDEN,  ESQ. 

Governor,  Captain  Genera!,  and  commander  in  chief  in  and  over 

the  State  of  Vermont. 
SIR, 

A  most  novel  and  extraordinary  proclamation  from  your  ex 
cellency,  "ordering  and  directing  such  portion  of  the  militia  of 
the  third  brigade  in  the  third  division  of  the  militia  of  Vermont, 
now  doing  duty  in  the  state  of  New  York,  both  officers  and  men, 
forthwith  to  return  to  the  respective  places  of  their  usual  resi 
dence,"  has  just  been  communicated  to  the  undersigned  officers  of 
said  brigade.  A  measure  so  unexampled,  requires  that  we  should 
state  to  your  excellency,  the  reasons  which  induce  us  absolutely 
and  positively  to  refuse  obedience  to  the  order  contained  in  your 
excellency's  proclamation  With  due  deference  to  your  excel 
lency's  opinion,  we  humbly  conceive,  that  when  we  are  ordered 
into  the  service  of  the  United  States,  it  becomes  our  duty,  when 
required,  to  march  to  the  de%nce  of  any  section  of  the  union. 
\Ve  are  not  of  that  class  who  believe  that  our  duties,  as  citizens 
or  soldiers,  are  circumscribed  within  the  narrow  limits  of  the 
town  or  state  in  which  we  reside ;  but  that  we  are  under  a  para- 


263 

mount  obligation  to  our  common  country,  to  the  great  confederacy 
of  the  states.  We  further  conceive,  that  while  we  are  in  actual 
service,  jour  excellency's  power  over  us,  as  governor  of  the  state 
of  Vermont,  is  suspended. 

If  it  is  true,  as  your  excellency  states,  that  "  we  are  out  of  the 
jurisdiction  or  controul  of  the  executive  of  Vermont,"  we  would 
ask  from  whence  your  excellency  derives  the  right,  or  presumes 
to  exercise  the  power  of  ordering  us  to  return  from  the  service 
in  which  we  are  now  engaged  ?  If  we  were  legally  ordered  into 
the  service  of  the  United  States,  your  excellency  must  be  sensi 
ble  that  you  have  no  authority  to  order  us  out  of  that  service.  If 
we  were  illegally  ordered  into  service,  our  continuance  in  it  is 
either  voluntary' or  compulsory.  If  voluntary,  it  gives  no  one  a 
mht  to  remonstrate  or  complain  ;  if  compulsory,  we  can  ai.jvai 
to  the  laws  of  our  country  for  redress  against  those  who  illegally 
restrain  us  of  our  liberty.  In  either  case,  we  cannot  perceive 
the  right  your  excellency  has  to  interfere  in  the  business.  View- 
ins;  the  subject  in  this  light,  we  conceive  it  our  duty  to  declare 
unequivocally  to  your  excellency,  that  we  shall  not  obey  your 
excellency's  order  for  returning;  but  shall  continue  in  the  ser 
vice  of  our  country,  until  we  are  legally  and  honourably  dis 
charged.  An  invitation  or  order  to  desert  the  standard  of  our 
country,  will  never  be  obeyed  by  us,  although  it  proceeds  from 
the  governor  and  captain  general  of  Vermont. 

Perhaps  it  is  proper,  that  we  should  content  ourselves  with 
merely  giving  your  excellency  the  reasons  which  prevail  upon  us 
to  disregard  your  proclamation;  but  we  are  impressed  with  the 
belief,  that  our  tluty  to  ourselves,  to  the  soldiers  under  our  com 
mand,  and  to  the  public,  requires  that  we  should  expose  to  the 
world,  the  motives  which  produced,  and  the  objects  which  were 
intended  to  be  accomplished  by  such  an  extraordinary  proclama 
tion.  We  shall  take  the  liberty  to  state  to  your  excellency 
plainly,  our  sentiments  on  this  subject.  We  consider  your  pro 
clamation  as  a  gross  insult  to  the  officers  and  soldiers  in  service, 
inasmuch  as  it  implies  that  they  are  so  ignorant  of  their  rights,  as 
to  believe  you  have  authority  to  command  them  in  their  present 
situation,  or  so  abandoned  as  to  follow  your  in-idious  advice.  We 
cannot  regard  your  proclamation  in  any  oth«r  light,  than  as  an 
unwarrantable  stretch  of  executive  authority,  issued  from  the 
worst  of  motives,  to  effect  the  basest  purposes.  It  is,  in  our 
opinion,  a  renewed  instance  of  that  spirit  of  disorganization  a;»d 
anarchy  which  is  carried  on  by  a  faction,  to  overwhelm  our  coun 
try  with  ruin  and  disgrace.  We  cannot  perceive/  what  other 
object  your  excellency  could  have  in  view,  than  to  embarrass  the 
operations  of  the  army,  to  excite  mutiny  and  sedition  among  tSie 
soldiers,  and  to  irtdtrce  them  to  desert,  that  they  might  forfeit  the 
\vau,es  to  which  they  are  entitled  for  their  patriotic  services. 

We  have,   however,  the  safsLcuon  to  inform  your  excellency, 
that  although  your  proclamations  have  been  distributed  among  the 


264 

soldier:*,  by  your  agent  delegated  for  that  purpose,  they  liave  fail 
ed  to  produce  the  intended  effect — and  although  it  may  appear 
incredible  to  your  excellency,  even  suld&rs  have  discernment 
sufficient  to  perceive,  that  the  proclamation  of  a  governor,  when 
issued  out  of  the  line  of  his  duty,  is  a  i  armless,  Inoffensive  and 
nugatory  document — they  regard  it  with  mingled  emotions  of 
pitv  and  contempt  for  its*  author,  and  as  a  striking  monument  of 
his  folly. 

Before  we  conclude,  we  feel  ourselves,  injustice  to  your  excel 
lent  y,  bound  to  declare,  that  a  knowledge' of  your  excellency's 
character  induces  us  to  believe,  that  the  folly  and  infamy  of  the 
proclamation  to  which  your  excellency  has  put  your  signature, 
is  not  wholly  to  be  ascribed  to  your  excellency,  but  chieflv  to  the 
evil  advisers,  with  whom  we  believe  your  excellency  is  unhappily 
encompassed. 

We  are,  with  due  respect,  &c. 

Luther  Dixon,  lieutenant  colonel :  Elijah  Dee,  junr.  major; 
Josiah  Grout,  major :  Charles  Bennet,  captaiji  ;  Jesse  Post,  can- 
tain  :  Elijah  W.  Wood,  captain;  Elijah  Birge,  captain  ;  Martin 
D.  Follet,  captain:  Amasa  Mansfield,  captain  :  T.  H.  Campbell, 
lieutenant ;  G.  O.  Dixon,  lieutenant ;  Francis  Northway,  lieute 
nant  ;  Joshua  Brush,  lieutenant;  Daniel  Dodge,  ensign ;  Sand- 
ford  Gadcomb,  cfljjf  a  in  :  James  Fullington,  quarter  master;  > 
herd  Beals,  lieutenant :  John  Fasset,  surgeon;  Seth  Clark,  junr. 
surgeon's  mate ;  Thomas  Waterman,  captain;  Benjamin  Follet, 
lieutenant;  Hira  Hill,  surgeon's  mate. 


CAMP  STROTHER,  NEAR  TEN  ISLANDS  OF  COOSA, 

November  llth,  1813. 
.SIR, 

I  am  just   returned  from  an  excursion  which  I  took  a  few 
days  ago,  and  hasten  to  acquaint  you  with  the  result. 

Late  on  the  evening  of  the  7th  instant,  a  runner  arrived  from 
the  friendly  party,  in  Lashley's  fort,  (Tallede^a)  distant  about 
50  miles  below  us,  with  the  information  that  the  hostile  Creeks, 
in  great  force,  had  encamped  near  the  place,  and  were  preparing 
to  destroy  it;  and  earnestly  entreated  that  I  would  lose  no  time 
in  affording  them  relief.  Urged  bv  their  situation,  as  well  a>  bv 
a,  wish  to  meet  the  enemy  so  soon  as  an  opportunity  would  offer,  I 
determined  upon  commencing  my  inarch  thither  with  all  mv  dis 
posable  forQe  in  the  course  of  the  night;  and  immediately  des 
patched  an  express  to  general  White,  advising  him  of  mv  intend 
ed  movement,  and  urged  him  to  hasten  to  this  encampment  bj 
a  forced  march,  in  order  to  protect  it  in  my  absence.  I  had  re 
peatedly  written  the  general  to  form  a  junction  with  me  as  speedily 
as  practicable,  and  a  few  (lavs  before  had  received  his  assurance, 
that  on  the  7th  he  would  join  me.  I  commenced  crossing  the 


265 

rivet  at  the  Ten  Islands,  leaving  behind  me  ray  baggage  wagons' 
and  whatever  might  retard  my  progress;  and  encamped  that  night 
within  six  miles  of  the  fort  I  had  set  out  to  relieve.  At  midnight 
I  had  received,  by  an  Indian  runner,  a  letter  from  general  White, 
informing?  me  that  he  had  received  my  order,  but  that  he  had 
altered  his  course,  and  was  on  his  march  backwards  to  join  major 
general  Cocke,  near  the  mouth  of  Chatuga.  I  will  not  now  re 
mark  upon  the  strangeness  of  this  manouvre  ;  but  it  was  now  too 
late  to  change  my  plan,  or  make  any  new  arrangements  ;  and 
between  3  and  4  o'clock,  I  re-commenced  my  march  to  meet  the 
enemy,  who  were  encamped  within  a  quarter  of  a  mile  of  the  fort. 
At  sun-rise  we  came  within  half  a  mile  of  them,  and  having  formed 
my  men,  I  moved  on  in  battle  order.  The  infantry  were  in  three 
lines — the  militia  on  the  left,  and  the  Volunteers  on  the  right.  The 
cavalry  formed  the  two  extreme  wings,  and  were  ordered  to  ad 
vance  in  a  curve,  keeping  their  rear  connected  with  the  advance 
of  their  infantry  lines,  and  enclose  the  enemy  in  a  circle.  The 
advanced  guard  whom  I  sent  forward  to  bring  on  the  engagement, 
met  the  attack  of  the  enemy  with  great  intrepidity  ;  and  having 
poured  upon  them  four  or  five  very  galling  rounds,  fell  back  as  they 
had  been  previously  ordered,  to  the  main  army.  The  enemy  pur 
sued,  and  the  front  line  was  now  ordered  to  advance  and  meet 
him;  but  owing  to  some  misunderstanding,  a  few  companies  of 
militia,  who  composed  a  part  of  it,  commenced  a  retreat.  At 
this  moment  a  corps  of  cavalry,  commanded  bv  lieutenant  colonel 
Dyer,  which  I  had  kept  as  a  reserve,  was  ordered  to  dismount, 
and  fill  up  the  vacancy  occasioned  by  the  retreat.  This  order 
was  executed  with  a  great  deal  of  promptitude  and  effect.  The 
militia,  seeing  this,  speedily  rallied  ;  and  the  fire  became  general 
along  the  front  line,  and  on  that  part  of  the  wings  which  was  con 
tiguous.  The  enemy,  unable  to  stand  it,  began  to  retreat ;  but 
were  met  at  every  turn,  and  repulsed  in  every  direction.  The 
right  wing  chased  them  with  a  most  destructive  fire  to  the  moun 
tains,  a  distance  of  about  three  miles — and  had  I  not  been  com 
pelled  by  the  faux  pas  of  the  militia  in  the  outset  of  the  battle,  to 
dismount  my  reserve,  I  believe  not  a  man  of  them  would  have 
escaped.  The  victory  however  was  very  decisive — 290  of  the 
enemy  were  left  dead — and  there  can  be  no  doubt  but  many  more 
were  killed  who  were  not  found.  Wherever  they  ran  they  left  be 
hind  them  traces  of  blood  ;  and  it  is  believed  that  very  few  will 
return  to  their  villages  in  as  sound  a  condition  as  they  left  them. 
I  \vas  compelled  to  return  to  this  place  to  protect  the  sick  and 
wounded,  and  get  my  baggage  on. 

In  the  engagement  we  lost  15  killed  and  85  wounded— 2  of  them 
have  since  died.  All  the  officers  acted  with  the  utmost  bravery, 
and  so  did  all  the  privates  except  that  part  of  the  militia  who  re 
treated  at  the  commencement  of  the  battle — and  they  hastened 
to  attonc  for  their  error.  Taking  the  whole  together,  they  hav  r 

34 


£66 

realized  the  high  expectations  I  had  formed  of  them,  and  have 
fairly  entitled  themselves  to  the  gratitude  of  their  country. 

ANDREW  JACKSON. 

His  excellency  Willie  Blount,  Nashville. 


CAMP,  NEAR  CORNWALL,  November  12th,  181S- 

SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  report  to  you,  that  yesterday,  while  the 
rear  division  of  the  army,  consisting  of  detachments  from  the  1st, 
3d,  and  4th  brigades,  and  placed  under  my  command  to  protect 
the  flotilla  from,  the  enemy,  that  hung  on  our  rear,  was  under  arms 
in  order  to  move,  agreeably  to  your  orders,  down  the  bank  of  the 
St.  Lawrence,  a  report  was  brought  to  me  from  the  rear  guard, 
that  a  body  of  about  200  British  and  Indians  had  advanced  into 
the  woods  that  skirted  our  rear.  General  Swartwout,  with  the 
4th  brigade,  was  immediately  ordered  to  dislodge  them ;  general 
Covington,  with  the  3d  brigade,  at  the  same  time,  directed  to  be 
within  supporting  distance.  General  Swartwout  dashed  into  the 
woods,  and  with  the  21st  infantry,  (a  part  of  his  brigade)  after  a 
short  skirmish,  drove  them  back  to  the  position  of  their  main  body. 
Here  he  was  joined  by  general  Covington.  The  enemy  had  judi 
ciously  chosen  his  ground  among  the  ravines,  which  every  where 
intersected  the  extensive  plain,  and  discharged  a  heavy  and 
galling  fire  upon  our  advanced  columns.  No  opposition  or  obsta 
cle,  however,  checked  their  ardour.  The  enemy  retired  for  more 
than  a  mile  before  their  resolute  and  repeated  charges.  During 
this  time,  the  detachment  of  the  1st  brigade  under  colonel  Coles, 
whose  greater  distance  from  the  scene  of  action  retarded  its  arri 
val,  rapidly  entered  the  field.  Being  directed  to  attack  the  ene 
my's  left  flankA  chis  movement  was  promptly  and  bravely  executed 
amid  a  shower  of  musketry  and  shrapnell  shells.  The  fight  now 
became  more  stationary,  until  the  brigade  first  engaged,  having 
expended  all  their  ammunition,  were  directed  to  retire  to  a  more 
defensible  position  to  wait  for  a  re-supply.  This  movement  so 
disconnected  the  line  as  to  render  it  expedient  for  the  first  brigade 
likewise  to  retire.  It  should  be  remarked,  that  the  artillery, 
excepting  two  pieces  under  captain  Irvine,  attached  to  the  rear 
division,  which  from  the  nature  of  the  ground,  and  the  circuitous- 
route  they  had  to  take,  were  likewise  much  retarded  in  their 
arrival,  did  not  reach  the  ground  until  the  line,  for  want  o( 
ammunition,  had  already  began  to  fall  back.  When  they  were 
arranged,  in  doing  which  I  was  assisted  by  the  skill  of  colonel 
Swift,  of  the  engineers,  their  fire  was  sure  and  destructive.  When 
the  artillery  was  finally  directed  to  retire,  having  to  cross  a  deep, 
and  excepting  in  one  place,  (to  artillery)  impassable  ravine,  one 
piece  was  unfortunately  lost.  The  falfof  its  gallant  commander, 
Rentenant  Smith,  and  most  of  his  men,  may  account  for  this 


267 

accident.     In  the  death  of  this  young  man,  the  army  has  lost  one 
of  its  most  promising  officers. 

The  squadron  of  the  2d  regiment  of  dragoons,  under  major- 
Woodford,  was  earl  yon  the  field,  and  much  exposed  to  the  ene 
my's  fire,  but  the  nature  of  the  ground,  and  the  position  of  his 
line,  did  not  admit  of  those  successfull  charges,  which  their  disci 
pline  and  ardour,  under  more  favourable  circumstances,  are 
calculated  to  make.  The  reserve,  undo*  colonel  Uphani*  and 
major  Malcolm,  did  not  arrive  from  the  boats  in  time  to  partici 
pate  in  but  a  small  part  of  the  action  ;  but  the  activity  and  /.eal 
they  displayed  while  engaged,  evinced  the  benefit  that  might  have 
been  derived  from  their  earlier  assistance. 

The  whole  of  the  line  was  now  re-formed  on  the  borders  of 
those  woods  from  which  the  enemy  had  first  been  driven  ;  when, 
night  coming  on  and  the  storm  returning,  and  conceiving  that  the 
object  you  had  in  view,  which  was  to  beat  back  the  enemy  that 
would  retard  our  junction  with  the  main  body  below,  to  have  been, 
accomplished,  the  troops  were  directed  to  return  to  the  ground 
near  the  flotilla ;  which  movement  was  executed  in  good  order, 
and  without  molestation  from  the  enemy. 

I  cannot  close  my  representation  of  this  battle,  without  indulg 
ing  in  a  few  remarks  upon  those  officers,  whose  conduct  will 
give  a  character  to  the  conflict  of  this  day.  General  Covington, 
whose  readiness  to  enter  the  field  was  an  earnest  of  his  subse 
quent  activity,  received  a  mortal  wound,  while  leading  his  men 
on  to  a  successful  charge.  His  troops  still  feeling  the  effects  of 
his  gallant  example,  continued  to  advance  long  alter  their  brave 
commander  had  fallen.  His  fate  will  perpetuate  the  memory  of  the 
plain  which  has  been  crimsoned  by  his  blood.  Colonel  Preston 
was  severely  wounded,  while  nobly  fighting  at  the  head  of  his 
regiment.  The  universal  sympathy  which  is  excited  by  the  hon 
ourable  misfortune  of  this  amiable  officer,  attests  the  estimation 
which  is  entertained  of  his  talents  as  a  soldier,  and  his  virtues  as 
a  man.  Major  Gumming,  with  whose  military  merits  and  exer 
tions  I  have  long  been  acquainted,  met  with  a  similar  fate  while 
leading  to  a  charge,  and  undiscouraged  by  the  wound  continued 
to  advance,  until  loss  of  blood  obliged  him  to  retire.  Many  pla 
toon  officers  received  disabling  or  slight  wounds  in  the  honour 
able  discharge  of  their  duty,  a  report  of  whose  names  and  merits 
I  have  directed  the  several  chiefs  of  brigades  to  make  to  me,  in 
order  that  I  may  transmit  it  to  you.  It  is  with  great  satisfaction 
I  acknowledge  my  warmest  approbation  of  the  gallantry  and 
zeal  which  was  constantly  displayed  throughout  this  eventful  day, 
by  brigadier  general  Swartwout,  and  colonel  Coles,  who  com 
manded  the  detachment  of  the  1st  brigade. 

After    the   fall    of    general   Covington,   colonel    Pierce,   on 
whom  the  command  of  the  3d  brigade  devolved,  conducted  with 

*  Colonel  Upham  was  not  in  this  action.  His  boat  had  shoved  off  and  was 
ten  miles  from  the  scene  of  action  when  the  battle  commenced.  It  was  major 
Malcolm  who  headed  the  reserve  and  decided  the  conflict. 


268 

his  characteristic  coolness  and  valour*  In  speaking  of  the  other 
numerous  field  officers  who  participated  in  this  battle,  colonels 
Gaines  and  Ripley,  lieutenant  colonel  Aspimvall,  and  majors 
Morgan,  Graftun  and  Gardner,  their  equal  claim  to  applause  for 
bids  the  invidious  task  of  discrimination,  I  find  a  pleasure  like 
wise  in  acknowledging  the  eminent  service  I  derived  from  the 
experience  and  activity  of  adjutant  general  colonel  Walback ; 
from  the  assistance  of  inspector  general,  colonel  Johnson,  and 
assistant  adjutant  generals,  majors  Beebe  and  Chambers ;  the 
latter  was  wounded  in  the  honourable  discharge  of  his  duty.  In 
addition  to  these  acknowledgments,  a  sense  of  justice,  as 
well  as  personal  friendship,  induces  me  to  express  my  entire  ap 
probation  of  the  conduct  of  lieutenant  Henry  Whiting,  my  aid- 
de-camp,  who  was  in  this  instance,  as  he  has  been  during  the  whole 
campaign,  my  zealous  and  brave  assistant.  Lieutenant  Worth, 
aid-de-camp  to  major  general  Lewis*  led  by  a  laudable  ambition, 
left  the  flotilla,  and  volunteered  his  acceptable  services  to  me  on 
the  field. 

Permit  me  now  to  add,  sir,  that  though  the  result  of  this  action 
was  not  so  brilliant  and  decisive  as  I  could  have  wished,  and  the 
first  stages  of  it  seemed  to  promise,  yet  when  it  is  recollected  that 
the  troops  had  long  been  exposed  to  hard  privations  and  fatigues, 
to  inclement  storms  from  which  they  could  have  no  shelter ;  that 
the  enemy  were  superior  to  us  in  numbers,  and  greatly  superior 
in  position,  and  supported  by  7  or  8  heavy  gun  boats;  that  the 
action  being  unexpected,  was  necessarily  commenced  without 
much  concert;  that  we  were,  by  unavoidable  circumstances,  long 
deprived  of  our  artillery;  and  that  the  action  was  warmly  and 
obstinately  contested  for  more  than  three  hours,  during  which 
there  were  but  a  few  short  cessations  of  musketry  and  cannon  ; 
when  all  these  circumstances  are  recollected,  perhaps  this  day 
may  be  thought  to  have  added  some  reputation  to  the  American 
arms.  And  if,  on  this  occasion,  you  shall  believe  me  to  have 
done  my  duty,  and  accomplished  any  one  of  your  purposes,  I 
shall  be  satisfied. 

Allow  me  to  adjoin  my  regret,  which  is  felt  in  common  with  the 
army,  that  the  severity  of  your  indisposition  deprived  us  of  your 
presence  on  this  occasion.  The  adjutant  general  has  been  direct 
ed  to  furnish  a  report  of  the  killed,  wounded,  and  the  casualties. 
I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

JOHN  P.  BOYD,  Brig.  Gen.  Comdg. 
Major  general  Wilkinson. 


HEAD  QUARTERS,  NEAR  CORNWALL,  (U.  C.) 

November  12th,  1813. 

SIR, 

I  this  day  had  the  honour  to  receive  your  letter  of  the  8th 
Instant,  by  colonel  Atkinson,  and  want  language  to  express  my 


.26$ 

s'ororw  for  your  determination  not  to  join  the  division  under  your 
command  with  the  troops  under  my  immediate  orders. 

As  such  resolution  defeats  the  grand  objects  of  the  campaign 
in  this  quarter,  which,  before  the  receipt  of  your  letter,  were 
thought  to  be  completely  within  our  power,  no  suspicion  being 
entertained  that  you  would  decline  the  junction  directed,  it  will 
oblige  us  to  take  post  at  French  Mills,  on  Salmon  river,  or  in  their 
vicinity,  for  the  winter. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

JAMES  WILKINSON. 
Major  general  Hampton, 


fmc£  from  the  general  order  of  general   Wilkinson,  of  No 
vember  ISth,  1813. 

"  The  troops  are  to  embark  without  loss  of  time ;  yet  are  not 
fo  be  hurried  in  leaving  the  Canadian  shore,  from  whence  the 
commander  in  chief  is  compelled  to  retire  by  the  extraordinary, 
unexampled,  and,  it  appears,  unwarrantable  conduct  of  major 
general  Hampton,  in  refusing  to  join  this  army  with  a  division  of 
4,000  men  under  his  command,  agreeably  to  positive  orders  from 
the  commander  in  chief,  and  as  he  has  been  assured  by  the  Se 
cretary  of  \Var,  of  explicit  instructions  from  the  war  department. 

"  Thus  deprived  of  a  large  portion  of  his  promised  force,  the 
commander  in  chief  feels  himself  bound  by  a  sense  of  regard  to 
this  meritorious  corps,  and  of  sacred  duty  to  the  United  States, 
to  spare  the  lives  of  brave  men,  and  not  to  hazard  the  character 
or  interest  of  the  nation,  by  an  unequal  conflict.  He,  with  lively 
regret  and  the  deepest  mortification,  suspends  the  attack  on  Mon 
treal.  But  he  assures  the  army  that  it  is  not  abandoned." 


HEAD  QUARTERS,  NEWARK,  November  15th,  1813. 

DEAR  SIR, 

Being  ordered  to  return  to  the  westward,  you  will  be  pleased 
to  resume  the  command  which  you  received  previous  to  my  arri 
val  at  this  pace. 

The  orders  which  you  heretofore  have  received  will  govern  you. 
It  will  be  necessary  that  you  keep  a  vigilant  eye  over  the  dis- 
aftected  part  of  the  inhabitants,  and  I  recommend  that  you  make 
use  of  the  zeal,  activity,  and  local  knowledge  which  colonel 
Willcocks  certainly  possesses  to  counteract  the  machinations  of 
our  enemy,  and  ensure  the  confidence  of  our  friends,  among:  the 
inhabitants.  It  will,  however,  I  am  persuaded,  be  your  wish,  as  it  is 
your  duty,  to  guard  the  latter  as  much  as  possible  from  oppression. 

The  volunteers  which  were  lately  called  out  will  be  retained 
as  long  as  you  consider  their  services  necessary  ;  the  drafted  mi- 
Fitia,  until  further  orders  are  received  from  the  Secretary  of  War, 


270 

There  can  be  little  doubt  of  its  being  the  intention  of  the 
enemy  to  send  the  greater  part  of  the  troops,  which  they  have  at 
Burlington  and  York,  to  Kingston,  and  to  make  York  the 
right  of  their  line.  They  may,  however,  have  a  small  command 
at  Burlington,  and  those  may  be  so  securely  posted  as  to  render 
them  safe  from  any  desultory  expedition  you  may  set  on  foot; 
but  it  is  desirable  to  have  any  supplies  which  they  may  have 
collected  in  the  neighborhood  destroyed  ;  and  should  the  success 
Jjelow  be  not  such  as  to  promise  possession  of  the  whole  of  the 
Upper  Province,  may  be  destroyed. 

Captains  Leonard  and  Reed,  or  either  of  them,  are  appointed  to 
muster  your  troops,  when  and  where  you  think  proper. 

In  closing  this  communication,  I  should  not  do  justice  to  my 
feelings,  if  I  were  not  to  acknowledge  the  zeal  and  talents  with 
which  you  have  managed  your  command.  Your  conduct  appears 
to  me  to  have  been  extremely  judicious  and  proper  throughout, 
and  your  troops  exhibit  a  state  of  improvement  and  subordination 
which  is  at  once  honourable  to  your  officers  and  themselves. 

I  am,  &c. 
WILLIAM  H.  HARRISON. 

general  George  M'Clure. 


HEAD  QUARTERS,  FRENCH  MILLS,  ADJOINING  THE  PROVINCE 

OF  LOWER  CANADA,  November  16th,  1813. 
SIR, 

I  beg  leave  to  refer  you  to  the  journal  which  accompanies  this 
letter,  for  the  particulars  of  the  movements  of  the  corps  under 
my  command,  down  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  will  endeavour  to  exert 
my  enfeebled  mind  to  detail  to  you  the  more  striking  and  impor 
tant  incidents  which  have  ensued  my  departure  from  Grenadier 
island,  at  the  foot  of  Lake  Ontario,  on  the  3d  instant. 

The  corps  of  the  enemy  from  Kingston,  which  followed  me, 
hung  on  my  rear,  and  in  concert  with  a  heavy  galley,  and  a  few 
gun-boats,  seemed  determined  to  retard  my  progress.  I  was 
strongly  tempted  to  halt,  turn  about,  and  put  an  end  to  his 
teasing ;  but,  alas !  I  was  confined  to  my  bed  :  major  general  Lewis 
was  too  ill  for  any  active  exertion  ;  and  above  all,  I  did  not  dare 
sutler  myself  to  be  diverted  a  single  day  from  the  prosecution  of 
the  vie  ws  of  government.  I  had  written  major  general  Hampton 
on  the  Gth  instant  by  his  adjutant  general  colonel  King,  and  had 
ordered  him  to  form  a  junction  with  me  on  the  St.  Lawrence, 
which  1  expected  would  take  place  on  the  9th  or  10th.  It  would 
have  been  unpardonable  had  I  lost  sight  of  this  object  a  moment, 
as  1  deemed  it  of  vital  importance  to  the  issue  of  the  campaign. 

The  enemy  deserve  credit  for  their  zeal  and  intelligence,  which 
the  active  universal  hostility  of  the  male  inhabitants  "of  the  coun 
try  enable  them  to  employ  to  the  greatest  advantage.  Thus, 
while  menaced  by  a  respectable  force  in  rear,  the  coast  was  lined 


£71 

by  musketry  in  front,  at  every  critical  pass  of  the  river,  which 
obliged  me  to  march  a  detachment,  and  this  impeded  my  pro 
gress. 

On  the  evening  of  the  9th  instant,  the  army  halted  a  few  miles 
of  the  head  of  the  Longue  Saut.  In  the  morning  of  the  lOth, 
the  inclosed  order  was  issued.  General  Brown  marched  agree 
ably  to  order,  and  about  noon  we  were  apprized,  by  the  report  of 
his  artillery,  that  he  was  engaged  some  distance  below  us.  At/ 
the  same  time  the  enemy  were  observed  in  our  rear,  and  theiis 
galley  and  gun-boats  approached  our  flotilla,  and  opened  a  fire  on 
us,  which  obliged  me  to  order  a  battery  of  18  pounders  to  be 
planted,  and  a  shot  from  it  compelled  the  vessels  of  the  enemy  to 
retire,  together  with  their  troops,  after  some  firing  between  the- 
advanced  parties.  But  by  this  time,  in  consequence  of  disem 
barking  and  re-embarking  the  heavy  guns,  the  day  was  so  far- 
spent,  that  our  pilots  did  not  dare  enter  the  Saut,  (8  miles  a  con 
tinued  rapid)  and  therefore  we  fell  down  about  two  miles  and 
came  to  for  the  night.  Early  the  next  morning  every  thing  was 
in  readiness  for  motion  ;  but  having  received  no  intelligence  from 
general  Brown,  I  was  still  delayed,  as  sound  caution  prescribed  I 
should  learn  the  result  of  his  affair,  before  I  committed  the  flotilla 
to  the  Saut.  At  half  past  10  o'clock  A.  M.  an  officer  of  dragoons 
arrived  with  a  letter  in  which  the  general  informed  me  he  had 
forced  the  enemy,  and  would  reach  the  foot  of  the  Saut  early  in 
the  day.  Orders  were  immediately  given  for  the  flotilla  to  sail, 
at  which  instant  the  enemy's  gun-boats  appeared,  and  began  to 
throw  shot  among  us.  Information  was  brought  me  at  the  same 
time,  from  brigadier  general  Boyd,  that  the  enemy's  troops  were 
advancing  in  column.  I  immediately  sent  orders  to  him  to  attack 
them  ;  this  report  was  soon  contradicted.  Their  gun  boats  how 
ever  continued  to  scratch  us,  and  a  variety  of  reports  of  their 
movements  and  countermovements  were  brought  to  me  in  succes 
sion  ;  which  convinced  me  of  their  determination  to  hazard  an 
attack,  when  it  could  be  done  to  the  greatest  advantage,  and 
therefore  [  determined  to  anticipate  them.  Directions  were  ac 
cordingly  sent,  by  that  distinguished  officer  colonel  Swift,  of  the 
engineers,  to  brigadier  general  Boyd,  to  throw  the  detachment  of 
his  command,  assigned  to  him  in  the  order  of  the  preceding  day, 
and  composed  of  men  of  his  own,  Covington's  and  Swartwout's 
brigades,  into  3  columns,  to  march  upon  the  enemy,  out-flank 
them  if  possible,  and  take  their  artillery.  The  action  soon  after 
commenced  with  the  advanced  body  of  the  enemy,  and  became 
extremely  sharp  and  galling,  and,  with  occasional  pauses,  was 
sustained  with  great  vivacity,  in  open  space  and  fair  combat,  for 
upwards  of  two  and  a  half  hours;  the  adverse  lines  alternately 
yielding  and  advancing.  It  is  impossible  to  say  with  accuracy 
what  was  our  number  on  the  field,  because  it  consisted  of  indefi 
nite  detachments  taken  from  the  boats,  to  rends r  safe  the  passage 
of  the  Saut.  Brigadier  generals  Covington  and  Swarhvont  volun- 


tarily  took  part  in  the  action,  at  the  head  of  detachments  from  their' 
respective  brigades,  and  exhibited  the  same  courage  that  was 
displayed  by  brigadier  general  Boyd,  who  happened  to  be  the 
senior  officer  on  the  ground*  Our  force  engaged  might  have  reach 
ed  16  or  1,700  men,  but  certainly  did  not  exceed  1,800 ;  that  of  the 
enemy  was  estimated  at  from  1,200  to  2,000,  but  did  not  probably 
amount  to  more  than  U  or  1,600,  consisting,  as  I  am  informed,  of 
detachments  from  the  49th,  84th,  and  104th  regiments  of  the  line, 
with  three  companies  of  the  Voltigeur  and  Glengary  corps,  and 
the  militia  of  the  country,  who  are  not  included  in  the  estimate. 

It  would  be  presumptuous  in  me  to  attempt  to  give  you  a  detail^ 
ed  account  of  this  affair,  which  certainly  reflects  high  honour  on 
the  valour  of  the  American  soldier,  as  no  example  can  be  produced 
of  undisciplined  men,  with  inexperienced  officers,  braving  a  fire 
of  two  hours  and  a  half,  without  quitting  the  field  or  yielding  to 
their  antagonists.  But,  sir,  the  information  I  now  give  you  is 
derived  from  officers  of  my  confidence,  who  took  active  parts  in 
this  conflict;  for  though  I  was  enabled  to  order  the  attack,  it  was 
my  hard  fortune  not  to  be  able  to  lead  the  troops  I  commanded. 
The  disease  with  which  1  was  assailed  on  the  3d  of  September, 
on  my  journey  to  Fort  George,  having,  with  a  few  short  intervals 
of  convalescence,  preyed  on  me  ever  since,  and  at  the  moment  of 
this  action  I  was  confined  to  my  bed  and  emaciated  almost  to  a 
skeleton,  unable  to  sit  on  my  horse,  or  to  move  ten  paces  without 
assistance. 

I  must,  however,  be  pardoned  for  trespassing  on  your  time  a 
few  remarks  in  relation  to  the  affair.  The  objects  of  the  British 
and  American  commanders  were  precisely  opposed  j  the  last  being 
bound,  by  the  instructions  of  his  government  and  most  solemn 
obligations  of  duty,  to  precipitate  his  descent  of  the  St.  Lawrence 
by  every  practicable  means ;  because  this  being  effected,  one  of  the 
greatest  difficulties  opposed  to  the  American  army  would  be  sur 
mounted ;  and  the  first,  by  duties  equally  imperious,  to  retard, 
and,  if  possible,  prevent  such  descent.  He  is  to  be  accounted 
victorious  who  effected  his  purpose !  The  British  commander 
having  failed  to  gain  either  of  his  objects,  can  lay  no  claim  to  thtv 
honours  of  the  day.  The  battle  fluctuated,  and  triumph  seemed, 
at  different  times,  inclined  to  the  contending  corps.  The  front 
of  the  enemy  was  at  first  forced  back  more  than  a  mile,  and, 
though  they  never  regained  the  ground  thus  lost,  their  stand  was 
permanent,  and  their  charges  resolute-  Amidst  these  charges,  and 
near  the  close  of  the  contest,  we  lost  a  field  piece  by  the  fall  of 
the  officer  who  was  serving  it  with  the  same  coolness  as  if  he 
had  been  at  a  parade  of  review.  This  was  lieutenant  Smith,  of  the 
light  artillery,  who  in  point  of  merit  stood  at  the  head  of  his  grade. 
The  enemy  having  halted,  and  our  troops  being  again  formed  in 
battalion,  front  to  front,  and  the  firing  ceased  on  both  sides,  we 
resumed  our  position  on  the  bank  of  the  river,  and  the  infantry 
being  much  iatigued,  the  whole  were  re -embarked,  and  proceed* 


273 

cd  down  the  river  without  further  annoyance  from  the  enemy  or 
their  gun -boats,  while  the  dragoons,  with  five  pieces  of  artillery, 
marched  down  the  Canada  shore  without  molestation. 

It  is  due  to  his  rank,  to  his  worth,  and  his  services,  that  I 
should  make  particular  mention  of  brigadier  general  Covington, 
who  received  a  mortal  wound  directly  through  the  body,  while 
animating  his  men  and  leading  them  to  the  charge.  He  fell, 
where  he  fought,  at  the  head  of  his  men,  and  survived  but  two  days. 

The  next  morning  the  flotilla  passed  through  the  Saut,  and 
joined  that  excellent  officer,  brigadier  general  Brown,  at  Bard- 
hart's,  near  Cornwall,  where  he  had  been  instructed  to  take  post 
and  wait  my  arrival,  and  where  I  confidently  expected  to  hear  of 
major  general  Hampton's  arrival  on  the  opposite  shore.  But 
immediately  after  I  halted,  colonel  Atkinson,  the  inspector  gene 
ral  of  the  division  under  major  general  Hampton,  waited  oil  me 
with  a  letter  from  that  officer,  in  which,  to  my  unspeakable  morti 
fication  and  surprise,  he  declined  the  junction  ordered,  and  in 
formed  me  he  was  marching  towards  lake  Cham  plain,  by  way  of 
co-operating  in  the  proposed  attack  on  Montreal.  This  letter, 
together  with  a  copy  of  that  to  which  it  is  an  answer,  were  imme 
diately  submitted  to  a  council  of  war,  composed  of  my  general 
officers  and  the  colonel  commanding  the  elite,  the  chief  engineer 
and  the  adjutant  general,  who  unanimously  gave  it  as  their  opin 
ion,  that  "the  attack  on  Montreal  should  be  abandoned  for  the 
present  season,  and  the  army  near  Cornwall  should  be  immediately 
crossed  to  the  American  shore  for  taking  up  winter  quarters,  and 
that  this  place  afforded  an  eligible  position  for  such  quarters." 

I  acquiesced  in  these  opinions,  not  from  the  shortness  of  the 
stock  of  provisions,  (which  had  been  reduced  by  the  acts  of  God) 
because  that  of  our  meat  had  been  increased  5  days,  and  our 
bread  had  been  reduced  only  two  days,  and  because  we  could,  in 
case  of  extremity,  had  lived  on  the  enemy ;  but  because  the  loss  of 
the  division  under  major  general  Hampton,  weakened  my  force  too 
sensibly  to  justify  the  attempt.  In  all  my  measures  and  move 
ments  of  moment,  I  have  taken  the  opinions  of  my  general  officers, 
which  have  been  in  accord  with  my  own. 

I  remained  on  the  Canada  shore  until  the  next  day,  without 
seeing  or  hearing  from  the  "  powerful  force"  of  the  enemy  m 
our  neighborhood,  and  the  same  day  reached  this  position  with  the 
artillery  and  infantry.  The  dragoons  have  been  ordered  to  Utica 
and  its  vicinity,  and  I  expect  are  50  or  60  miles  on  the  march. 

You  have  under  cover  a  summary  abstract  of  the  killed  and 
wounded  in  the  affair  of  the  llth  instant,  which  shall  soon  be 
followed  by  a  particular  return,  in  which  a  just  regard  will  be 
paid  to  individual  merits.  The  dead  rest  in  honour,  and  the 
wounded  bled  for  their  country  and  deserve  its  gratitude. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

JAMES  WILKINSON. 
to  the  Secretary  of  War. 
•33 


274 

Return  of  the  killed  and  wounded  of  a  detachment  of  the  army  Oj 
the  United  States  descending  the  St.  Lawrence  river,  under  the 
command  of  major  general  James  Wilkinson,  in  an  action  fought 
at  Williamsburgh,  in  Upper  Canada,  on  the  llth  of  Nov.  1813. 

KILLED — Subalterns,  3  ;  sergeants,  7;  corporals,  3  ;  musicians, 
1;  privates,  83  :  Total,  102.  WOUNDED— Brigadier  general,  1 ; 
assistant  adjutant  general,  1 ;  aid -de-camp,  1 ;  colonel,  1 ;  major,  1 ; 
captains,  5  ;  subalterns,  6 ;  sergeants,  9  ;  corporals,  13  ;  musicians, 
1 ;  privates,  193  :  Total,  237.  Total,  killed  and  wounded,  339. 

Names  of  the  Commissioned  Officers  Killed  and  Wounded. 

KILLED — Liutenant  William  W.  Smith,  of  the  light  artillery; 
David  Hunter,  12th  infantry;  Edward  01  instead,  16th,  ditto. 
W  OUNDED — Brigadier  general  Leonard  Covington,  mortally,  since 
dead ;  major  Talbot  Chambers,  assistant  adjutant  general,  slightly ; 
major  Darby  Noon,  aid-de-camp  to  brigadier  general  Swartwout, 
slightly  ;  colonel  James  P.  Preston,  of  the  25d  infantry,  severely, 
his  right  thigh  fractured ;  major  William  Cummirgs,  8th  regiment, 
severely ;  captain  Edmund  Foster,  9th  ditto,  slightly ;  captain 
David  S.  Townsend,  do.  do  severely;  captain  Mordecai  Myers, 
13th  do.  do. ;  captain  John  Campbell,  do.  do.  slightly;  captain 
John  P.  Murdock,  25th  do.  do. ;  lieutenant  William  S.  Heaton, 
llth  do,  severely;  lieutenant  John  Williams,  13th  do.  slightly ; 
lieutenant  John  Lynch,*  14th  do.  severely  ;  lieutenant  Peter  Pel- 
ham,*  21st  do.  do. ;  lieutenant  James  D.  Brown,  25th  do.  slightly; 
lieutenant  Archibald  E.  Crary,  do.  do.  severely,  in  the  skirmish 
the  day  before  the  action. 

ADJ.  GEN'S.  OFFICE,  H.  Q.  Military  district  No.  9,  French  Mills,  Nov.  1813. 

T.  B.  WALBACK,  Jldj.  Gen. 

N.  B.  Colonel  Preston  commanded  the  13th  regiment  of  infan 
try  during  the  action ;  and  major  Cummings  did  duty  with  the 
i6th  regiment  infantry  in  the  action. 


Extract  of  a  letter  from  general   Wilkinson,  to  the  Secretary  of 
War,  dated 

"FRENCH  MILLS,  November  17th,  1813. 

"  After  what  has  passed  between  us,  you  can  perhaps  concern 
my  amazement  and  chagrin  at  the  conduct  of  major  general  Hamp 
ton.  The  game  was  in  view,  and,  had  he  performed  the  junctioi 
directed,  would  have  been  ours  in  eight  or  ten  days.  But  he 
chose  to  recede,  in  order  to  co-operate,  and  my  dawning  hopes, 
and  the  hopes  and  honour  of  the  army  were  blasted." 

*  Taken  prisoners. 


276 

COLONEL  PURDY'S  REPORT 

To  major  general  Wilkinson,  of  the   action  at   Chataugay,  fyc 
transmitted  by  the  general  to  the  Secretary  of  War. 

I  arrived  at  Cumberland  head  September  16th,  1813,  and 
on  the  18th  took  command  of  the  4th  regiment  of  infantry,  sta 
tioned  at  that  place.  The  army,  consisting  of  about  4000  men, 
was  composed  principally  of  recruits  who  had  been  but  a  short 
time  in  the  service,  and  had  not  been  exercised  with  that  rigid 
discipline  so  essentially  necessary  to  constitute  the  soldier.  They 
had  indeed  been  taught  various  evolutions,  but  a  spirit  of  subordi 
nation  was  foreign  to  their  views.  On  the  19th,  orders  issued  for  the 
whole  army,  except  a  squadron  of  horse  and  the  artillery  embarked, 
in  batteaux.  The  army  got  under  weigh,  preceded  by  the  light 
corps,  and  flanked  on  the  right  by  the  navy,  and  arrived  at  Chesy 
at  12  o'clock  at  night,  lay  on  their  arms,  embarked  again  soon, 
after  sun-rise  the  next  morning,  proceeded  down  the  lake  as  far 
as  Champlain,  and  up  Champlain  river  the  distance  of  four  miles, 
where  we  landed,  and  immediately  marched  to  Odletown.  The 
light  corps  who  preceded  the  other  troops  some  hours,  surprised 
and  defeated  a  guard  of  the  enemy  at  that  place.  We  remained 
at  Odletown  until  the  middle  of  the  next  day,  during  which  time 
a  want  of  system  in  the  management  of  the  army  was  readily  dis 
covered  by  every  military  man,  that  led  to  apprehensions  for  the 
safety  of  the  troops,  should  the  enemy  oppose  with  any  consider 
able  force.  The  army  returned  to  Champlain  on  the  21st,  the  22d 
to  Chesy,  and  the  day  following  commenced  the  route  to  Chatau 
gay.  The  whole  of  this  march,  a  distance  of  more  than  70  miles, 
was  very  disagreeable :  the  officers  were  not  permitted  to  take 
with  them  the  necessaries,  much  less  the  conveniences  of  life, 
and  were  compelled  to  abandon  clothing  and  other  things  essen 
tially  necessary  to  preserve  the  body  in  health.  We  forbore  com 
plaint,  enduring  every  privation,  presuming  the  commanding 
officer  had  sufficient  reasons  for  his  conduct,  and  concluding  it 
was  pro  bono  publico.  The  scene  has  passed,  and  time  sufficient 
has  elapsed  to  have  discovered  those  reasons,  had  they  existed. 
None  have  been  found  :  on  the  contrary,  circumstances  have  demon 
strated  that  it  was  a  useless  and  unnecessary  sacrifice  of  both  pub 
lic  and  private  property.  The  army  remained  at  Chataugay  26 
days,  and  on  the  21st  October  commenced  an  excursion  into  the 
enemy's  country.  The  first  brigade  followed  the  course  of  the 
Chataugay  river  to  Spear's,  the  distance  of  18  miles  and  upwards, 
and  there  met  the  second  brigade,  which  had  taken  a  nearer  and 
more  convenient  route.  The  march  was  very  fatiguing,  equalled 
only  by  another  that  soon  followed.  Credit  is  due  to  both  the  officers 
and  soldiers  for  their  orderly  conduct,  patience  and  perseverance, 
in  surmounting  the  incredible  obstacles  the  enemy  threw  in  their 
way.  On  the  25th,  a  difficult  fatiguing  expedition-  was  planned, 
and  the  execution  of  it  assigned  to  the  first  brigade,  which  had 


276 

for  some  time  previous,  and  still  remained,  under  my  command. 
The  design  was  to  cut  oft' the  retreat  of  a  body  of  the  enemy, 
supposed  to  be  encamped  on  the  banks  of  the  Chataugay,  6  i^iles 
distance.  With  tlris  intention  the  first  brigade  was  ordered  across 
the  river  at  night,  marched  silently  down,  and  re-cross  at  a  ford 
two  miles  below  the  enemy,  and  attack  them  in  rear,  giving  a  pre 
concerted  signal,  ^  hile  the  second  brigade  moved  down  the  road 
in  front.  We  commenced  the  march  at  sun-down,  and  by  sun-rise 
the  next  morning  had  gained  only  6  miles.  Here  we  were  dis 
covered  by  the  enemy  and  fired  on  from  the  opposite  side  of  the 
river.  During  that  night  we  were  repeatedly  misled  by  the 
g  >ides,  who  knew  nothing  of  the  country,  having  never  been  that 
way,  and  at  the  time  we  were  attacked,  they  had  led  us  into  a 
thick  cedar  growth  or  swamp  on  the  banks  of  the  river  and  imme 
diately  opposite  the  enemy's  position,  and  knew  not  how  to  ex 
tricate  us.  Incredible  as  it  may  appear,  general  Hampton  en 
trusted  nearly  one  half  of  his  army,  and  those  his  best  troops,  t& 
the  guidance  of  men,  each  of  whom  repeatedly  assured  him  that 
they  were  not  acquainted  with  the  country,  and  were  not  competent 
to  direct  such  an  expedition. 

At  the  same  time  general  Hampton  told  me  he  had  a  man  by 
the  name  of  Smith,  who  had  a  perfect  knowledge  of  the  country, 
and  whom  he  promised  to  send  me,  but  which  he  neglected  to  do. 
The  defeat  of  the  expedition  was  the  consequence  of  this  neglect 
of  the  major  general.  About  2  o'clock,  while  receiving  an  order 
from  colonel  King,  adjutant  general,  upon  the  opposite  side  of 
the  river,  to  march  back  4  miles  and  there  ford  the  river  and 
join  the  second  brigade,  the  enemy  made  a  furious  attack  on  the 
column  by  a  great  discharge  of  musketry,  accompanied  by  the 
yells  of  the  savages.  Unfortunately,  the  word  "  retreat,"  was 
heard,  which  for  a  short  time  spread  confusion  among  the  several 
corps.  A  sufficient  number,  however,  remained  firm,  and  the 
enemy  was  soon  compelled  to  retire.  Towards  sun -down  I  sent 
general  Hampton  a  request,  that  a  regiment  might  be  ordered 
down  to  cover  my  landing  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river  ;  but 
judge  my  surprise,  on  receiving  intelligence  that  he  had  retreated, 
with  the  second  brigade,  nearly  three  miles.  Thus  was  I  deserted 
without  the  smallest  guard  to  cover  my  landing.  To  what  cause 
shall  it  be  attributed,  that  the  general  ordered  a  retreat,  and  that 
too  at  the  moment  when  the  presence  of  the  second  brigade  was 
required,  or  could  be  useful,  as  soon  afterwards  he  declared 
"he  should  be  willing  to  compound  with  the  Jirst  brigade  for  500 
men"  The  wounded  had  previously  been  conveyed  across  on 
rafts,  which  made  a  removal  of  my  brigade  to  that  side  absolute 
ly  necessary  for  their  protection.  An  attempt  was  accordingly 
made,  and  a  floating  bridge  soon  constructed  of  old  logs,  found 
on  the  margin  of  the  river.  The  enemy  discovering  our  dispo 
sition,  commenced  firing  from  the  opposite  side,  and  killed  several 
\vhile  crossing.  Major  Snelling,  with  about  100  men,  effected  a 


277 

landing,  and  joined  the  main  body.  The  remainder  of  my  force, 
exhausted  by  the  excessive  exertions  of  the  preceding  night,  and 
weary  with  the  fatigues  of  the  day,  not  having  had  a  moment 
cither  for  rest  or  refreshment,  were  compelled  to  endure  the 
privation  of  sleep  another  night.  We  retired  two  or  three  miles 
and  took  a  position.  At  about  12  o'clock  the  enemy  came  up 
;and  made  an  attack  upon  us,  but  were  soon  routed.  The  men  at 
this  time  were  formed  and  lying  on  the  ground  they  were  to  oc 
cupy,  in  case  of  an  attack,  and  were  ordered  to,  and  did,  imme 
diately  rise,  seize  their  arms,  and  remain  under  them  the  residue 
of  the  night.  An  excessively  heavy  rain  prevented  the  firing  both 
of  the  enemy  and  ourselves,  except  occasionally  a  single  gun  from 
the  former.  Our  troops  were  ordered  not  to  fire,  but  in  case  of  a 
repetition  of  attack  to  charge  bayonets — this  was  accordingly  done. 
The  enemy  charged  several  times,  and  as  often  were  put  to  flight. 
It  is  observable  in  this  place,  that  so  greatly  were  the  men  over 
powered  by  fatigue,  though  in  a  situation  every  way  dangerous, 
and  in  which  they  had  every  reason  to  believe  they  should  be 
sallied  upon  by  the  enemy  every  moment,  many  were  unable  to 
conquer  their  disposition  to  sleep,  and  it  was  not  in  the  power 
of  the  officers  to  keep  them  awake.  It  was  on  the  morning  of 
this  last  attack,  that  the  general  expressed  his  apprehensions  for 
the  first  brigade,  and  made  the  declaration  above  quoted.  The 
next  morning  we  crossed  the  river  and  joined  general  Hampton; 
on  the  28th  the  army  retreated  4  miles,  and  on  the  30th  and  31st 
marched  back  to  Chataugay.  The  troops  at  the  times  of  the  attack 
were  not  in  a  situation  to  endure  further  fatigue — and  it  is  an  in 
dubitable  fact,  that  many  of  them  were  so  debilitated  they  were 
unable  to  proceed  with  the  brigade  on  its  march  from  the  place  of 
its  last  attack,  and  actually  did  not  reach  the  main  body  until  the 
day  after  the  brigade  had  joined  it,  and  some  not  even  until  the 
army  had  reached  the  Four  Corners  of  Chataugay. 

Never  to  my  knowledge,  during  our  march  into  Canada,  and 
ivliile  we  remained  at  the  Four  Corners,  a  term  of  twenty-six  days, 
did  general  Hampton  ever  send  off  a  scouting  or  reconnoitring 
party  (except  in  one  or  two  cases  at  Spear's  in  Canada,  when  he 
detached  a  few  dragoons  for  this  duty)  ;  nor  did  he,  from  the  time 
we  commenced  our  march  from  Cumberland  Head  to  our  arrival 
at  Flattsburgh,  ever  order  a  front  flank,  or  rear  guard,  to  be  kept 
up,  though  a  great  part  of  the  time  we  were  in  situations  thai 
evidently  required  it.  True  it  is,  these  guards  were  occasionally 
sent  out,  not,  however,  by  his  order,  but  by  the  orders  of  the 
officers  commanding  brigades. 

By  a  general  order,  dated  Chataugay,  November  5th,  the  gene 
ral  says  he  has  paid  the  first  attention  to  the  sick,  and  has  granted 
them  indulgences  which  created  murmurings  on  the  part  of  some 
officers  at  their  posts.  It  is  only  necessary  here  to  observe,  that 
every  officer  of  the  army  can  testify  that  the  sick  were  very  much 
neglected,  as  far  as  regards  comfortable  quarters  and  transporta- 


iion,  and  that  they  were  strewed  along  the  roads  through  which 
we  marched,  without  care  or  attendance ;  and  it  is  presumable  that 
many  have  died  in  consequence  of  this,  who  might  have  been 
saved  to  themselves,  if  not  to  the  service.  The  general,  indeed, 
at  the  time  this  order  was  issued,  which  was  after  our  return  to" 
the  Four  Corners,  did  order  transportation  for  the  sick  to  Bur 
lington,  but  this  is  the  only  instance  to  my  knowledge. 

The  commissary's  department  is  worthy  of  notice.  My  order 
for  provision  was  not  sufficient;  nor  could  I  obtain  any  but  by 
special  license  of  general  Hampton.  The  commissary  of  issues 
has  been  constantly  in  the  habit  of  selling  the  livers,  &c.  of  the 
beeves  to  officers ;  and  though  I  represented  this  to  general 
Hampton  as  unusual  and  improper,  he  refused  to  take  any  other 
notice  of  it  than  saying,  "the  commissary  is  accountable  for  all 
parts  of  the  beef,  even  to  a  pound  or  ounce  of  tallow :"  nor  did  he 
take  any  notice  of  another  piece  of  misconduct  of  the  commis 
sary,  that  of  acting  in  the  capacity  of  suttler,  but  sanctioned  it  by 
purchasing  of  him. 

The  common  practices  with  general  Hampton,  of  arresting  offi 
cers  and  releasing  them  without  the  knowledge  or  consent  of  the 
officers  by  whom  they  were  arrested,  (the  case  of  lieutenant  Morris, 
of  the  S3d  regiment,  who  was  arrested  by  me  on  the  charge  of 
cowardice  and  misconduct  before  the  enemy,  on  the  £6th  October, 
1813,  the  time  of  the  skirmish  with  the  enemy  at  Ormstown,  or 
Chataugay  river,  being  an  instance) ;  of  refusing  to  arrest  officers 
whom  I  reported  to  him  as  having  deserted  their  posts  in  time  of 
action;  of  daily  issuing  orders  and  countermanding  them;  and 
of  interfering  in  an  improper  manner  with  subordinate  com 
mands  of  the  army,  as  a  reference  to  the  orders  issued  by  him 
will  show,  mark  very  strongly  the  capriciousness  of  his  conduct 
and  the  total  want  of  steadiness  in  his  intentions. 

Sucfi  has  been  the  ge&eraPs  conduct  on  some  occasions,  that  I 
have,  hi  common  with  other  officers,  been  induced  to  believe  that  he 
was  under  the  influence  of  a  too  free  use  of  spirituous  liquors. 

I  must,  in  justice  to  general  Hampton,  say,  that  the  expedition 
he  planned, and  which  I  have  called  "difficult  and  fatiguing,"  did, 
at  the  time  it  was  suggested  to  me  by  him,  meet  my  full  appro 
bation,  and  that  I  have  since  no  .reason  for  changing  my  opini 
on  of  its  practicability  or  usefulness,  but  I  must  also  say  that  it 
required  competent  guides,  and  these  (as  I  said  before)  he  pro 
mised  to  furnish  rne,  but  did  not. 

I  am  of  opinion  no  officer  that  has  served  under  major  general 
Hamptoi;,  on  the  late  campaign,  can,  or  will,  contradict  this  state 
ment. 

ROBERT  PURDY,   Col.  4th  Inf. 

A  true  copy, 

R.   H.  M'PHERSON, 

Captain  %  Secretary. 


279 

TREATMENT 

of  American  Prisoners  in  Quebec. 

Extract  of  a  letter  from  captain  M'Donough,  commanding  the 
United  States7  naval  force  on  lake  Champlain,  to  the  Secretary 
of  the  Navy,  dated 

"PLATTSBURG  BAY,  November  23d,  1813. 

"Accompanying  this  is  the  voluntary  statement  of  Abraham 
Walter,  who  was  pilot  of  one  of  the  sloops  taken  last  summer 
He  has  made  his  escape  from  Quebec ;  arid  after  a  severe  journey 
of  ten  days,  reported  himself  to  me  yesterday/" 

Affidavit  of  Abraham  Walter,  pilot  of  the  United  States'  sloop 

Groivler,  on  lake  Champlain,  viz. 
State  of  New  York,  > 
Clinton  County,     5 

Abraham  Walter,  formerly  pilot  of  the  sloop  of  war  Growler, 
on  lake  Champlain,  being  duly  sworn,  deposeth  and  saith,  that  he 
was  employed  on  board  that  sloop  when  it  was  taken  by  the  Bri 
tish  in  June  last ;  that  after  the  sloops  Growler  and  Eagle  were 
surrendered,  the  prisoners,  both  officers  and  sailors,  were  taken 
to  Quebec,  where  they  were  immediately  confined  on  board  a  pri 
son  ship;  there  they  were  examined  by  a  public  officer  or  exa 
miner,  and  about  eight  or  ten  of  the  prisoners  declared  to  be 
British  subjects  ;  these  were  immediately  separated  from  the  rest, 
and  put  on  board  a  man  of  war  and  sent  to  England,  to  be  tried 
for  treason.  One  of  these  was  known  to  be  a  native  of  New 
Hampshire  by  captain  Herrick,  of  the  New  Hampshire  volunteers, 
who  was  also  a  prisoner,  and  who  had  known  him  from  his  infancy 
and  several  of  the  rest  were  declared  by  others  of  their  acquain 
tance  to  be  native  citizens  of  the  United  States.  These  represen 
tations  were  unavailing  with  the  British  officers  who  commanded, 
and  they  were  torn  thus  from  their  companions  to  defend  them 
selves  against  the  charge  of  treason  in  England. 

The  residue  were  still  confined  in  their  prison  ships,  in  a  situ 
ation  more  disagreeable  than  can  well  be  imagined. 

Sometime  after,  a  number  of  British  vessels  were  wi-hing  to  pro 
ceed  to  Halifax,  the  crews  of  which  had  mostly  bean  pressed  out  of 
them  to  fight  the  American  forces  on  the  upper  lakes,  and  seamen 
were  wanted  to  supply  their  places.  Governor  Prevost  sent  an 
order  to  general  Glascow,  who  then  commanded  there,  directing 
him  to  proceed  on  board  the  prison-ship  and  to  induce  the  prison 
ers  to  volunteer  to  man  their  fleet  for  Halifax  ;  and  in  case  they 
refused  to  comply,  to  force  them  on  board  for  that  purpose.  The 
application  was  made;  but  the  American  prisoners,  considering 
the  measure  unjustifiable  towards  their  own  government,  refused 
to  volunteer,  and  were  accordingly  forced  on  board  the  vessels  by 
a  British  press-gang,  where  tins  deponent  understood  they  had 


280 

quarters  assigned  them,  and  were  compelled  to  assist  in  navigating; 
British  vessels  to  Halifax,  and  afterwards  to  England,  as  this 
deponent  has  since  been  informed  :  and  further,  that  not  one  sea- 
inan  who  was  a  prisoner  there  was  exempted  from  this  proceeding. 

And  this  deponent  further  saith,  that  in  the  beginning  of  the 
present  month  of  November,  an  order  was  received  in  conformity 
to  the  prince  regent's  proclamation,  to  seize  46  American  officers 
and  non-commissioned  officers,  who  were  then  prisoners  of  war, 
and  to  imprison  them,  to  be  kept  in  close  confinement,  agreeably 
to  the  tenor  of  that  proclamation.  Prisoners  to  that  number,  most 
of  whom  were  officers  there  on  their  parole,  many  of  them  in  a 
delicate  state  of  health,  were  immediately  put  imder  arrest,  and 
inarched  guarded  to  the  public  prison,  and  immured,  for  what 
fate  is  to  him  unknown.  Among  those  destined  for  close  impri 
sonment,  are  lieutenant  Smith,  then  in  a  declining  state  of  health, 
and  Dr.  James  Wood,  a  citizen  of  Cham  plain,  who  was  taken 
from  his  home  while  he  was  in  the  employment  of  the  revenue, 
but,  as  this  deponent  believes,  no  way  connected  with  the  army. 
They  were  imprisoned  on  the  5th  of  November  instant. 

This  deponent  further  saith,  that  the  enemy  has  uniformly  at 
that  place  treated  American  prisoners,  both  officers  and  privates, 
with  extreme  rigor ;  that  some  time  since  an  American  midship 
man  and  two  masters'  mates,  merely  for  having  proceeded  on  a 
party  of  pleasure,  about  half  a  mile  beyond  the  limits  assigned 
them,  were  seized  and  put  into  prison,  and  kept  in  irons,  till  the 
general  imprisonment  of  officers  and  non-commissioned  officers, 
as  above  related,  took  place.  And  this  deponent  further  saith,  that 
all  that  was  allowed  for  the  American  prisoners  on  board  the  pri 
son-ship,  was  daily  one  pound  of  old  wormy  bread,  which  the  inha 
bitants  declared  had  been  twice  to  the  West  Indies,  and  condemn 
ed  for  spoiled  bread,  and  one  half  pound  of  exceedingly  bad  meat, 
which  in  almost  any  other  situation  would  be  absolutely  not  eatable ; 
no  liquors ;  no  soap  to  prevent  themselves  from  becoming  lousy ;  no 
candles  ana  none  ot  the  other  comforts  of  life  ;  and  that  it  was 
the  opinion  of  all  the  prisoners  that  many  of  them  had  actually 
starved  to  death,  not  being  able  to  eat  the  provisions;  and  further, 
that  immediately  on  the  prince  regent's  proclamation  being  re 
ceived,  colonel  Gardner,  the  American  agent  there,  who  had  been 
occupied  in  paying  oft'  the  sick  and  privates  of  the  land  service, 
was  immediately  notified  by  governor  Prevost,  to  consider  himself 
confined  to  the  same  limits  which  were  assigned  for  the  officers  at 
Beaufort ;  and  when  this  deponent  left  that  place,  he  was  compell 
ed  to  remain  with  general  Winchester  and  others,  and  was  not 
permitted  to  visit  the  prisoners  who  were  in  distress  on  board  the 
prison-ships,  nor  to  visit  the  town  to  negotiate  his  bills  for  the 
relief  of  the  officers,  and  had  already  been  obliged  to  share  what 
little  private  money  he  had  with  him  among  them  for  their  tem 
porary  relief.  This  deponent  further  saith,  that  he  started  from 
rlie  neighborhood  of  Quebec,  and  came  by  the  way  of  Derby  in 


251 

Vermont,  and  arrived  at  this  place  two  days  since ;  and 
this  deponent  saith  not. 

ABRAHAM  WALTER, 
Sworn  before  me,  this  23d  day  of  November,  1813. 

HENRY  DELENY, 

Qne  of  the  Judges  of  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas,  in  and 
for  the  county  of  Clinton. 


THIRD   VICTORY  OVER  THE  CHEEKS, 

FORT  ARMSTRONG,  November  24th,  1818. 
*)EAR  GENERAL, 

In  mine  of  the  19th  instant,  by  major  Outlaw,  I  promised  you 
a  more  detailed  report,  respecting  the  detachment  ordered  by  you 
to  the  Hillibee  Towns,  in  the  Creek  nation.     In  compliance  with 
that  promise,  I  have  now  the  honour  to  state,  that  under  your  or 
der  of  the  llth  instant,  [  immediately  marched  with  the  mounted 
infantry  under  the  immediate  command  of  colonel  Burch,  the 
cavalry  under  the  command  of  major  Porter,  and  a  few  of  the  Che 
rokee  Indians,  under  the  command  of  colonel  Morgan,  with  very 
fehort  rations  for  four  days  only.     We  continued  our  march  to 
Little  Oakfuskie,  when    we  fell  in  with  and  captured  five  hostile 
Creek  warriors,  supposed  to  be  spies.     Finding  no  other  Indians 
at  that  place,  we  burned  the  town,  which  consisted  of  thirty 
houses.     We   then   proceeded   to  a  town  called  Genalgo,  arid 
burned   the  same,  consisting  of  ninety -three  houses  ;  thence  we 
proceeded  to  Nitty  Choptoa,  consisting  of  about  twenty-five  houses, 
which   I  considered  it  most  prudent  not  to  destroy,  as  it  might 
possibly  be  of  use  at  some  future  period.     From  thence  we  march 
ed  to  the  Hillibee  Town,  consisting  of  about  twenty  houses,  ad 
joining   which  was  Grayson's  farm.     Previous  to  our  arrival  at 
that  place,  I  was  advised  that  a  party  of  the  hostile  Creeks  was 
assembled  there.     Having  inarched  within  six  or  eight  miles  of  it 
on  the  evening  of  the  7th,  I  dismounted  a  part  of  the  force  under 
my  command,  and  sent  them  under  the  command  of  colonel  Burch, 
with  the  Cherokees  under  the  command  of  colonel  Morgan  in  ad- 
vance,to  surround  the  town  in  the  night,  and  make  the  attack  at  day 
light  on  the  18th.  Owing  to  the  darkness  of  the  night,  the  town  was 
not  reached  until  after  day -light ;  but  so  complete  was  the  surprise, 
that  we  succeeded  in  surrounding  the  town,  and  killing  and  captuF- 
ingalmost(if  notentirely)  the  wholeof  the  hostileCreeks  assembled 
there,  consisting  of  about  316,  of  which  number  about  60  warriora 
were  killed  on  the  spot,  and  the  remainder  made  prisoners.  Before 
the  close  of  the  engagement,  my  whole  force  was  up  and  ready 
for   action,  had  it  become   necessary  ;  but  owing  to  the  want  of 
knowledge  on  the  part  of  the  Indians  of  our  approach,  they  were 
entirely  killed  and  taken  before  they  could  prepare  for  any  eft«*«y- 

36 


282* 

tual  defenee.  We  lost  not  one  drop  of  blood  in  accomplishing 
this  enterprise.  We  destroyed  this  village,  and,  in  obedience 
to  your  orders,  commenced  our  march  for  this  post,  which  we 
were  unable  to  reach  until  yesterday.  I  estimate  the  distance 
from  this  to  Grayson's  farm,  at  about  100  miles.  The  ground 
over  which  we  travelled  is  so  rough  and  hilly,  as  to  render  a  pas 
sage  very  difficult.  Many  defiles  it  was  impossible  to  pass  in 
safety,  without  the  greatest  precaution.  For  a  part  of  the  time, 
the  weather  was  so  very  wet,  being  encumbered  with  prisoners, 
and  the  troops  and  their  horses  having  to  subsist  in  a  very  great 
degree  upon  such  supplies  as  we  could  procure  in  the  nation, 
rendered  our  march  more  tardy  than  it  otherwise  would  have 
been. 

The  troops  under  my  command  have  visited  the  heart  of  that 
section  of  the  Creek  nation,  where  the  Red  Sticks  were  first  dis 
tributed. 

In  justice  to  this  gallant  band,  I  am  proud  to  state,  that  the 
whole  of  the  officers  and  men  under  the  command  of  colonel 
Burch,  performed  their  duty  cheerfully  and  without  complaint : 
that  from  the  cool,  orderly  and  prompt  manner  in  which  major 
Porter  and  the  cavalry  under  his  command,  formed  and  conducted 
themselves  in  every  case  of  alarm,  I  had  the  highest  confidence 
in  them  ;  colonel  Morgan  and  the  Cherokees  under  his  command, 
gave  undeniable  evidence  that  they  merit  the  employ  of  their  go 
vernment.  In  short,  sir,  the  whole  detachment  under  my  com 
mand,  conducted  in  such  a  manner  as  to  enable  me  to  assure  you 
that  they  are  capable  of  performing  any  thing  to  which  the  same 
number  of  men  are  equal. 

It  gives  me  pleasure  to  add,  that  Mr.  M'Corry,  who  acted  as 
my  aid  in  this  expedition,  rendered  services  that  to  me  were 
indispensable,  to  his  country  very  useful,  and  to  himself  highly 
honourable. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

JAMES  WHITE,  Brigadier  general 
Major  g-eneralJohu  Cocke. 


Extract  of  a  letter  from  major  general  Wilkinson  to  the  Secretary 
of  War,  dated 

"FRENCH  MILLS,  November  24th,  1813. 

«  I  have  had  the  honour  to  receive  your  letter  of  the  15th  instart 
from  Albany,  and  hope  my  despatches  have  reached  you  whici, 
left  this  on  the  17th. 

"  With  respect  to  the  unfortunate  issue  of  the  campaign,  I 
disclaim  the  shadow  of  blame,  because  I  know  I  have  done  my 
duty,  and  more  than  my  duty,  and  so  do  those  with  whom  I  have 
acted.  To  general  Hampton's  outrage  of  every  principle  of  sub- 


2S3 

ordination  and  discipline  may  be  ascribed  the  failure  of  the  expedi 
tion;  and  that  I  have  not  jet  arrested  him  must  be  attributed  to 
mj  respect  for  you,  and  my  desire  that  the  arrest  should  proceed 
from  the  highest  authority ;  for  if  this  act  be  suffered  to  pass  unno 
ticed  and  unpunished,  it  will  establish  a  precedent  to  justify 
disobedience  and  subvert  those  obligations  of  blind  obedience,  on 
which  the  efficiency  of  military  institutions  exclusively  depend. 
"  After  our  losses  by  deaths,  desertions,  and  discharges  since 
we  left  Sackett's  Harbor,  I  think  we  shall  not  be  able  to  show  you 
more  than  6000  men  at  this  point,  exclusive  of  the  dragoons  who 
have  been  ordered  to  Greenbush  and  Pittsfield  for  convenience 
and  economy." 


FOURTH  VICTORY  OVER  THE  CREEKS. 

CAMP,  WEST  CHATAHOUCHIE,  December  4th,  1813;. 
SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  communicate  to  your  excellency  an  ac 
count  of  an  action  fought  on  the  29th  ultimo  on  the  Talapoosi* 
river,  between  part  of  the  force  under  my  command,  and  a  large 
body  of  the  Creek  Indians. 

Having  received  information  that  a  number  of  the  hostile  Indi 
ans  were  assembled  at  Autossee,  a  town  on  the  southern  bank  of 
the  Talapoosie,  about  18  miles  from  the  Hickory  Ground,  and  20 
above  the  junction  of  that  river  with  the  Coosa,  I  proceeded  to 
its  attack  with  950  of  the  Georgia  militia,  accompanied  by  between 
3  and  400  friendly  Indians.  Having  encamped  within  nine  or 
ten  miles  of  the  point  of  destination  the  preceding  evening,  we 
resumed  the  inarch  a  few  minutes  before  one  on  the  morning  of 
the  29th,  and  at  half  past  six,  were  formed  for  action  in  front 
of  the  town. 

Booth's  battalion  composed  the  right  column,  and  marched  from 
its  centre.  Watson's  battalion  composed  the  left,  and  marched 
from  its  right.  Adams's  rifle  company  and  Meriwether's  under 
lieutenant  Hendon,  were  on  the  flanks.  Captain  Thomas's  artil 
lery  marched  in  front  of  the  right  column  in  the  road. 

It  was  my  intention  to  have  completely  surrounded  the  enemj 
by  appaying  the  right  wing  of  my  force  on  Canleebee  creek,  at 
the  mouth  of  which  I  was  informed  the  town  stood,  and  resting 
the  left  on  the  river  bank  below  the  town,  but  to  our  surprise,  as 
the  day  dawned,  we  perceived  a  second  town  about  500  yards 
below  that  which  we  had  first  viewed  and  were  preparing  to 
attack.  The  plan  was  immediately  changed  :  three  companies  of 
infantry  on  the  left  were  wheeled  into  echellon,  and  advanced  to 
the  lower  town  accompanied  by  Meriwether's  rifle  company  and 
two  troops  of  light  dragoons  under  the  command  of  captains 
Irwin  and  Steele. 


284 

The  residue  of  the  force  approached  the  upper  town,  and  the* 
battle  soon  became  general.  The  Indians  presented  themselves 
at  every  point,  and  fought  with  the  desperate  bravery  of  real  fa 
natics.  The  well  directed  fire,  however,  of  the  artillery,  added 
to  the  charge  of  the  bayonet,  soon  forced  them  to  take  refuge  in 
the  out  houses,  thickets  and  copses  in  rear  of  the  town ;  many  it 
is  believed  concealed  themselves  in  caves,  previously  formed' for 
the  purpose  of  secure'  retreat  in  the  high  bluft'of  the  river,  which 
was  thickly  covered  with  reed  and  brush  wood.  The  Indians  of 
the  friendly  party,  who  accompanied  us  on  the  expedition,  were 
divided  into  four  companies,  and  placed  under  the  command  of 
leaders  of  their  selection.  They  were,  by  engagement  entered 
into  the  day  previous,  to  have  crossed  the  river  above  the  town 
and  been  posted  on  the  opposite  shore  during  the  action,  for  the 
purpose  of  firing  on  such  of  the  enemy  as  might  attempt  to  escape, 
or  keep  in  check  any  reinforcement  which  might  probably  be 
thrown  in  from  the  neighboring  town;  but  owing  to  the  difficulty 
of  the  f  >rd  and  the  coldness  of  the  weather,  and  the  lateness  of 
the  hour,  this  arrangement  failed,  and  their  leaders  were  directed 
to  cross  Canleebee  creek  and  occupy  that  flank,  to  prevent  es 
capes  from  the  Tallassee  town.  Some  time  after  the  action  com 
menced,  our  red  friends  thronged  in  disorder  in  the  rear  of  our 
lines.  The  Cowetaws  under  M'lntosh,  and  Tookaubatchians  un 
der  Mad  Dog's  son,  fell  in  on  our  flanks,  and  fought  with  an. 
intrepidity  worthy  of  any  troops. 

At  9  o'clock  the  enemy  was  completely  driven  from  the  plain, 
and  the  houses  of  both  towns  wrapped  in  flames.  As  we  were 
then  60  miles  from  any  depot  of  provisions,  and  our  five  days' 
rations  pretty  much  reduced,  in  the  heart  of  an  enemy's  country, 
which  in  a  few  moments  could  have  poured  from  its  numerous 
towns  hosts  of  the  fiercest  warriors,  as  soon  as  the  dead  and 
wounded  were  properly  disposed  of,  I  ordered  the  place  to  be 
abandoned,  and  the  troops  to  commence  their  march  to  Chata- 
houchie. 

It  is  difficult  to  determine  the  strength  of  the  enemy ;  but  from 
the  information  of  some  of  the  chiefs,  which  it  is  said  can  be 
relied  on,  there  were  assembled  at  Autossee  warriors  from  eight 
towns,  for  its  defence,  it  being  their  beloved  ground,  on  which 
they  proclaimed  no  white  man  could  approach  without  inevitable 
destruction.  It  is  difficult  to  give  a  precise  account  of  the  loss  of 
the  enemy  ;  but  from  the  number  which  were  lying  scattered  over 
the  field,  together  with  those  destroyed  in  the  towns,  and  the  many 
slain  on  the  bank  of  the  river,  which  respectable  officers  affirm 
they  saw  lying  in  heaps  at  the  water's  edge,  where  they  had  been 
precipitate^!  by  their  surviving  friends,  their  loss  in  killed,  inde 
pendent  of  their  wounded,  must  have  been  at  least  200,  (among 
whom  were  the  Autossee  and  Tallassee  kings)  and  from  the  cir 
cumstance  of  their  making  no  efforts  to  molest  our  return,  proba 
bly  greater.  The  number  of  buildings  burnt,  some  of  a  superior 


,285 

order  for  the  dwellings  of  savases,  and  filled  with  valuable  articles, 
is  supposed  to  be  400. 

Adjutant  general  Newman  rendered  important  services  during 
the  action,  by  his  cool  and  deliberate  courage.  My  aid,  major 
Crawford,  discharged  with  promptitude  the  duties  of  a  brave  and 
meritorious  officer.  Major  Pace,  who  acted  as  field  aid,  also 
distinguished  himself;  both  these  gentlemen  had  their  horses 
shot  under  them,  and  the  latter  lost  his.  Doctor  Williamson, 
hospital  surgeon,  arid  doctor  Clopton,  were  prompt  and  attentive 
in  the  discharge  of  their  duty  towards  the  wounded  during  the 
action. 

Major  Freeman,  at  the  head  of  Irwin's  troop  of  cavalry,  and 
part  of  Steele's,  made  a  furious  and  successful  charge  upon  a 
body  of  Indians,  sabred  several  and  completely  defeated  them  : 
captain  Thomas  and  his  company,  captain  Adams  and  lieutenant 
Hendon's  rifle  companies  killed*  a  great  many  Indians,  and  de 
serve  particular  praise.  Captain  Barton's  company  was  in  the 
hottest  of  the  battle,  and  fought  like  soldiers.  Captain  Myrick, 
captain  Little,  captain  King,  captain  Broadnax,  captain  Cleveland, 
captain  Joseph  T.  Cunningham,  and  captain  Lee,  with  their 
companies,  distinguished  themselves.  Brigadier  general  Shackle- 
ford  was  of  great  service  in  bringing  the  troops  into  action ;  and 
adjutant  Broadnax,  and  major  Montgomery,  who  acted  as  assist 
ant  adjutant,  showed  great  activity  and  courage.  Major  Booth 
used  his  best  endeavors  in  bringing  his  battalion  to  action,  and 
major  Watson's  battalion  acted  with  considerable  spirit.  Irwin's, 
Patterson's,  and  Steele's  troops  of  cavalry,  whenever  an  opportu 
nity  presented,  charged  with  success.  Lieutenant  Strong  had 
his" horse  shot  and  narrowly  escaped,  and  quarter  master  Fennell 
displayed  the  greatest  heroism,  and  miraculously  escaped,  though 
badly  wounded,  after  having  his  horse  shot  from  under  him. 
The  topographical  engineer  was  vigilant  in  his  endeavours  to 
render  service. 

The  troops  deserve  the  highest  praise  for  their  fortitude  in 
enduring  hunger,  cold,  and  fatigue,  without  a  murmur,  having 
marched  120  miles  in  7  days. 

The  friendly  Indians  lost  several  killed  and  wounded,  the 
number  not  exactly  known.  Captain  Barton,  an  active  and  intel 
ligent  officer,  (the  bearer  of  these  despatches)  can  more  particu 
larly  explain  to  your  excellency  the  conduct,  movements,  and 
operations  of  the  army. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

JOHN  FLOYD,  B.  G. 
Major  general  Pinckney. 

Killed  and  wounded  in  the  action  on  the  29f/i  of  November,  1813. 
Total  killed,  1 1 ;  wounded,  54.      - 


286 

'Retract  of  a  letter  from  brigadier  general  Izardto  major  general 
Wilkinson,  dated 

"  PL ATTSBURG,  December  6th,  1813. 

"  There  is  an  unavoidable  delay  in  the  returns  of  the  regiments 
of  this  division,  proceeding  from  the  extreme  inexperience  of  the 
officers  of  all  grades,  now  with  them  ;  almost  every  efficient 
officer  is  either  sick,  or  was  furloughed  by  major  general  Hamp 
ton  at  the  moment  of  his  own  departure  :  those  that  remain  are 
barely  enough  to  perform  the  routine  of  duty  in  this  canton* 
menU" 


Extract  of  a  letter  from  general  Wilkinson  to  the  Secretary  of 

War,  dated 

MALONE,  December  8th,  1813. 

"  The  unavoidable  delay  of  the  express  (as  no  reliance  can  be 
placed  in  the  mail  from  this  place)  enables  me  to  send  you 
the  copy  of  a  letter  from  general  Izard,  dated  the  6th  instant, 
which  exhibits  additional  expositions  of  the  pernicious  and  un 
warrantable  conduct  of  major  general  Hampton.  I  will  not  charge 
this  man  with  traitorous  designs,  but  I  apprehend,  in  any  other 
government,  a  military  officer  who  first  defeated  the  object  of  a 
campaign  by  disobedience  of  orders,  and  then,  without  authority, 
furloughed  all  the  efficient  officers  of  the  division  he  commanded 
on  a  national  frontier,  in  the  vicinity  of  an  enemy,  would  incur 
heavy  penalties." 


GENERAL  ORDERS. 

HEADQUARTERS,  FORT  NIAGARA,  December  12th,  1813. 

Captain  Leonard  will,  as  soon  as  possible,  have  a  proportion  of 
hand  grenades  in  the  different  block  houses,  and  give  directions 
to  t'ae  officers  of  the  infantry  where  they  should  be  posted  with 
their  men,  in  case  of  an  attack ;  and  should  they  not  be  able  to 
maintain  the  outworks,  to  repair  to  the  block  and  mess  houses  ; 
and  have  every  thing  arranged  in  such  a  manner  as  though  he 
expected  an  immediate  attack. 

Much  is  expected  of  captain  Leonard,  from  his  long  experience 
and  knowledge  of  duty  ;  and  the  general  feels  confident  he  will 
be  well  supported  by  lieutenant  Loomas,  of  the  artillery,  as  well 
as  the  officers  of  the  infantry. 

By  order  of  brigadier  general  George  M'Clure. 

DONALD  ERASER, 
Lieutenant  loth  U.  8.  Inf.  $  VoL  A.  de  Camp- 


287 

ADDRESS  OF  GENERAL  M'CLURE. 

To  the  inhabitants  of  JViag'ara,  Genesee  and  Chataugay. 

The  present  crisis  is  truly  alarming.  The  enemy  are  preparing 
to  invade  your  -frontier,  and  let  their  savages  loose  upon  your 
families  and  property.  It  is  now  in  your  power  to  avoid  that  evil, 
by  repairing  to  Lewistown,  Schlosser  and  Buffalo.  Every  man 
\vho  is  able  to  bear  arms  is  not  only  invited  but  required  te  repair 
to  the  above  rallying  points,  for  a  few  days,  until  a  detachment 
of  militia  arrives.  The  enemy  are  now  laying  waste  their  own 
country;  every  man  who  does  not  take  up  arms,  or  who  are  dis 
posed  to  remain  neutral,  are  inhumanly  butchered,  their  property 
plundered,  and  their  buildings  destroyed.  Information  has  just 
been  received  that  six  or  eight  of  their  most  respectable  inhabi 
tants,  between  Queenston  and  Fort  George,  have  fallen  victims  to 
their  barbarity.  Every  man  in  the  province  is  required  to  take  up 
arms,  and  he  that  refuses  is  wantonly  butchered.  What  then, 
fellow  citizens,  have  you  to  expect  from  such  an  enemy,  should 
they  invade  your  frontier?  Think  of  the  consequences  ;  be  not 
lulled  into  a  belief,  that  because  you  reside  a  few  miles  from  the 
river,  that  jou  are  secure  :  No,  fellow  citizens,  the  place  to 
meet  them  is  on  the  beach.  Then  you  will  have  it  in  your  power 
to  chastise  them  ;  but  should  they  be  suffered  to  penetrate  into 
the  interior  with  their  savages,  the  scene  will  be  horrid  ! 

If,  then,  you  love  your  country  and  are  determined  to  defend 
its  rights ;  if  you  love  your  families,  and  are  determined  to  pro 
tect  them ;  if  you  value  your  property,  and  are  determined  to 
preserve  it,  you  will  fly  to  arms  and  hasten  to  meet  the  enemy, 
should  they  dare  to  set  foot  on  our  shores. 

Since  the  above  was  prepared,  I  have  received  intelligence  from 
a  credible  inhabitant  from  Canada,  (who  has  just  escaped  from 
thence)  that  the  enemy  are  concentrating  all  their  forces  and 
boats  at  Fort  George,  and  have  fixed  upon  to-morrow  night  for 
attacking,  Fort  Niagara;  and  should  they  succeed,  they  will  lay 
waste  our  whole  frontier.  In  that  case,  our  supply  of  arms,  which 
are  deposited  at  Fort  Niagara,  will  b'e  cut  off.  Therefore  all  who 
have  arms,  accoutrements  or  ammunition,  wTill  do  well  to  bring 
them,  and  all  who  have  horses  will  come  mounted. 

GEORGE  M'CLURE, 

Brigadier  general  commanding  Niagara  frontier. 
HEAD  QUARTERS,  BUFFALO,  December  18th,  1813. 


Extract   of  a   letter  from  commodore   Stephen  Decatur  to   the 
Secretary  of  the  Navy. 

NEW  LONDON,  December  20th,  1813. 

"  Some  few  nights  since,  the  weather  promised   an  opportunitv 
for  this  squadron  to  get  to  sea,  arid  it  was  said  on  shore- that  we 


2SS 

intended  to  make  the  attempt.  In  the  course  of  the  evening  tw 
blue  lights  were  burnt  on  both  the  points  at  the  harbour's  mouth  as. 
signals  to  the  enemy,  and  there  is  not  a  doubt,  but  that  they 
have,  by  signals  and  otherwise,  instantaneous  information  of  our 
movements.  Great  but  unsuccessful  exertions  have  been  made 
to  detect  those  who  communicate  with  the  enemy  by  signal.  The 
editor  of  the  New  London  Gazette,  to  alarm  them,  and  in  a 
hope  to  prevent  the  repetition  of  these  signals,  stated  in  that 
newspaper,  that  they  had  been  observed,  and  ventured  to  denounce 
those  who  had  made  them  in  animated  and  indignant  terms.  The 
consequence  is,  that  he  has  incurred  the  express  censure  of  some 
of  his  neighbours.  Notwithstanding  these  signals  have  been  re 
peated  and  have  been  seen  by  twenty  persons  at  least  in  this 
squadron,  there  are  men  in  New  London  who  have  the  hardihood 
to  affect  to  disbelieve  it,  and  the  effrontery  to  avow  their  disbelief. 
"'I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

"  STEPHEN  DECATUR." 
Honourable  William  Jones,  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 

HEAD  QUARTERS,  BUFFALO,  December  22d,  1813. 
SIR, 

I  regret  to  be  under  the  necessity  of  announcing  to  you  the 
mortifying  intelligence  of  the  loss  of  Fort  Niagara.  On  the 
morning  of  the  19th  instant,  about  four  o'clock,  the  enemy  cross 
ed  the  river  at  the  Five  Mile  Meadows  in  great  force,  consisting  of 
regulars  and  Indians,  who  made  their  way  undiscovered  to  the  gani- 
son,which,  from  the  most  correct  information  I  can  collect,  was  com 
pletely  surprised.  Our  men  were  nearly  all  asleep  in  their  tents ; 
the  enemy  rushed  in  and  commenced  a  most  horrible  slaughter. 
Such  as  escaped  the  fury  of  the  first  onset,  retired  to  the  old 
messhouse,  where  they  kept  up  a  destructive  fire  on  the  enemy, 
until  a  want  of  ammunition  compelled  them  to  surrender.  Al 
though  our  force  was  very  inferior  and  comparatively  small  indeed, 
I  am  induced  to  think  that  the  disaster  is  not  attributable  to  any 
want  of  troops,  but  to  gross  neglect  in  the  commanding,  officer  of 
the  fort,  captain  Leonard,  in  not  preparing,  being  ready,  ami 
looking  out  for  the  expected  attack. 

I  have  not  been  able  to  ascertain  correctly  the  number  of  killed 
and  wounded.  About  twenty  regulars  have  escaped  out  of  the 
fort,  some  badly  wounded.  Lieutenant  Peck,  24th  regiment,  is- 
killed,  and  it  is  said  three  others.  You  \\ill  perceive,  sir,  by  the 
enclosed  general  orders,  that  I  apprehended  an  attack,  and  made 
the  necessary  arrangements  to  meet  it,  but  have  reason  to  believe, 
from  information  received  by  those  who  have  made  their  escape, 
that  the  commandant  did  not  in  any  respect  comply  with  thos«? 
orders. 


&S9 

On  the  same  morning  a  detachment  of  militia,  under  inajofr 
Bennet,  stationed  at  Lewiston  Heights,  was  attacked  by  a  party 
of  savages :  but  the  major  and  his  little  corps,  by  making  a  des 
perate  charge,  effected  their  retreat  after  being  surrounded  by 
several  hundred,  with  the  loss  of  six  or  eight,  who  doubtless  were 
killed;  among  whom  were  two  sons  of  captain  Jones,  Indian  in 
terpreter.  The  villages  of  Youngstown,  Lewiston,  Manchester, 
and  the  Indian  Tuscarora  village,  were  reduced  to  ashes,  and 
the  inoffensive  inhabitants  who  could  not  escape,  were,  without 
regard  to  age  or  sex,  inhumanly  butchered  by  savages  headed  by 
BRITISH  officers  painted.  A  British  officer  who  is  taken  prison 
er  avows  that  many  small  children  were  murdered  by  their 
Indians.  Major  Mai  lory,  who  was  stationed  at  Schlosser,  with 
about  forty  Canadian  volunteers,  advanced  to  Lewiston  Heights, 
and  compelled  the  advanced  guard  of  the  enemy  to  fall  back  to 
the  loot  of  the  mountain.  The  major  is  a  meritorious  officer  ;  he 
fought  the  enemy  two  days,  and  contended  every  inch  of  ground 
to  the  Tonawanta  creek.  In  these  actions  lieutenant  Lowe  of  thp 
23d  regiment  United  States  army,  and  eight  of  the  Canadian  vo- 
lunteers  were  killed.  I  had  myself,  three  days  previous  to  the  at 
tack  on  the  Niagara,  left  it  with  a  viaw  of  providing  for  the  defence 
of  this  place,  Black  Rock,  and  the  other  villages  on  this  frontier. 
I  came  here  without  troops,  and  have  called  out  the  militia  of 
Genesee,  Niagara,  and  Chataugay  counties  en  masse. 

This  place  was  then  thought  to  be  in  most  imminent  danger,  as 
well  as  the  shipping,  but  I  have  no  doubt  is  now  perfectly  secure. 
Volunteers  are  coming  in,  in  great  numbers ;  they  are,  however, 
a  species  of  troops  that  cannot  be  expected  to  continue  in  service 
for  a  long  time.  In  a  few  days  one  thousand  detached  militia? 
lately  drafted,  will  be  on. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  See. 

GEORGE  M'CLURE, 
Brigadier  general  commanding* 
Honourable  John  Armstrong1,  Secretary  of  War. 


HEAD  QUARTERS,  NIAGARA  FRONTIER, 

December  30th,  1813. 
SIR, 

I  have  only  time  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  letter  o't 
the  25th  instant,  and  to  add  that  this  frontier  is  wholly  desolate. 
The  British  crossed  over,  supported  by  a  strong  party  of  Indians, 
at  a  little  before  daylight  this  morning,  near  Black  Rock.  They 
were  met  by  the  militia  under  my  command  with  spirit;  but 
overpowered  by  numbers  and  discipline  of  the  enemy,  the  militia 
gave  way  and  fled  on  every  side ;  every  attempt  to  rally  them  was 
ineffectual.  The  enemy's  purpose  was  obtained,  and  the  flou 
rishing  village  of  BUFFALO  LAID  IN  RUINS.  The  Niagara 
prospect  of  uniting  our  forces,  of  driving  the  enemy  from  Bur- 

•37 


290 

frontier  now  lies  open  and  naked  to  our  enemies.  Your  judgment 
will  direct  you  what  is  most  proper  in  this  emergency.  I  am 
exhausted  with  fatigue  and  must  defer  particulars  till  to-morrow. 
Many  valuable  lives  are  lost. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,   &c. 

A.  HALL,  Major  general. 
Governor  Tompkins. 


GENERAL  M'CLURE  TO  THE  PUBLIC. 

GENE  SEE,  NEW  YORK,  January  1st,  1814. 

The  late  descent  of  the  enemy  on  our  frontier,  and  the  horrid 
outrages  committed  on  our  defenceless  inhabitants  by  the  British 
allies,  being  laid  to  my  misconduct  as  commanding  officer  of  the 
American  forces  on  the  frontier,  and  although  my  conduct  has 
been  approved  by  the  Secretary  of  War,  the  commander  in  chief  of 
this  state,  and  by  general  Harrison,  before  his  departure,  still 
I  deem  it  a  duty  which  I  owe  to  my  own  reputation,  in  order  to 
put  a  stop  to  the  evil  reports  which  are  propagated  against  me, 
without  knowing  my  orders,  or  the  means  which  I  had  in  my 
power  to  execute  them,  to  give  a  brief  statement  of  my  most  pro 
minent  acts  since  I  have  had  the  honour  of  so  important  a  command. 
On  my  arrival  at  Fort  George,  and  previous  to  the  departure  of 
general  Wilkinson  with  his  army  from  that  post,  I  suggested  to 
the  general  the  necessity  of  inarching  out  against  the  enemy  at 
Cross  Roads  and  Four  Mile  Creek  ;  that  his  army,  with  the  addi 
tion  of  my  militia,  were  sufficient  to  take  or  destroy  all  the  British 
forces  in 'that  neighbourhood,  which  would  leave  nothing  more  for 
the  militia  to  do  than  to  protect  and  keep  in  order  the  inhabitants 
of  that  part  of  the  province,  as  otherwise  our  frontier  would  be 
liable  to  be  invaded.  This  proposition,  however,  was  not  agreed 
to,  as  the  general's  instructions  were  of  a  different  nature.  The 
general  left  with  me  colonel  Scgtt  and  800  regulars,  who  were  to 
remain  until  I  considered  my  force  sufficient,  to  hold  the  fort  with 
out  them,  when  they  were  to  inarch  to  Sackett's  Harbour. 

About  the  12th  of  October,  the  British  army  commenced  their 
retreat  towards  the  head  of  the  lake.  I  issued  orders  for  my 
militia  to  pursue^  which  was  promptly  obeyed.  WTe  advanced  as 
far  as  the  Twelve  Mile  Creek,  and  within  a  short  distance  of  the 
enemy's  rearguard,  when  colonel  Scott  sent  an  express,  request 
ing  me  to  return,  and  said  that  he  would  abandon  the  fort  next 
day,  and  march  with  his  troops  for  Sackett's  Harbour;  and  at  the 
same  time  detained  my  provisions  and  ammunition  wagons,  which 
compelled  me  to  abandon  the  further  pursuit  of  the  enemy,  and 
induced  them  to  make  a  stand  on  the  heights  of  Burlington.  I 
was  then  left  with  about  1 000  effective  militia  in  Fort  George,  and 
250  Indians,  a  force  not  more  than  sufficient  to  garrison  the  post. 
On  the  arrival  of  general  Harrison's  army,  I  was  elated  with  the 


lington,  taking  possession  of  that  post,  and  giving  peace  to  the- 
Upper  Province  and  our  frontier.     We  were  prepared  to  march 
in  24  hours,  when  the  arrival  of  commodore  Chauncey  with  orders 
for  that  excellent  officer,  general  Harrison,  to  repair  immediately 
with  his  army  to  Sackett's  Harbour,  frustrated  it.    I  remonstrated 
against  his.going  off,  as  will  be  seen  in  a  correspondence  between 
the  general  and  myself;  but  in  vain.     By  this  movement  all  my 
expectations  were  blasted,  and  I  foresaw  the  consequences,  unless 
a   reinforcement  was  immediately  sent  on  to  supply  the  place  of 
the  drafted  militia  whose  term  of  service  would  shortly  expire.     I 
considered  my  force,   which  had  become  ungovernable,   as  then 
insufficient  to  go  against  the  enemy.     The  object  of  the  last  expe 
dition  to  the  Twenty  Mile  Creek,  is  fully  explained  in  the  general 
order  which   I  issued  on  my  return.     For  six  weeks  before  the 
militia  were  discharged,  I  wrote,   and  continued  writing,    to  the 
Secretary  of  War,  the  necessity  of  sending  on  a  detachment  of 
militia  or  regular  troops  ;  that  1  found  it  impossible  to  retain  the 
militia  in  service  one  day  beyond  their  term  ;  I  also  stated,  from 
the  best  information,   the  enemy's  forces.     I  offered  a  bounty  of 
two  dollars  per  month,  for  one  or  two  months,  but  without  effect. 
Some  few  of  colonel  Bloom's  regiment  took  the  bounty,  and  imme 
diately  disappeared,  and  I  was  compelled  to  grant  a  discharge  to 
the  militia  and  volunteers,  which  left  me  about  60  effective  regulars 
of  the  24th  United  States  infantry,  under  captain  Rogers,  to  garri 
son  Fort  George.  I  summoned  a  council  of  the  officers,  and  put  the 
question—"  Is  the  fort  tenable  with  the  present  number  of  men  ?" 
They  unanimously  gave  it  as  their  opinion,  that  it  would  be  mad 
ness  in  the  extreme  to  pretend  to  hold  it,  and  recommended  its 
evacuation  immediately,  as  the  enemy's  advance  was  then  within 
eight  miles.     I  accordingly  gave  orders  for  all  the  arms,  ammuni 
tion  and  public  stores,  of  every  description,  to  be  sent  across  the 
river,  which  was  principally  effected  (though  the  enemy  advanced 
so  rapidly  that  ten  of  my  men  were  made  prisoners)  and  ordered 
the  town  of  Newark  to  be  burnt.     This  act,  however  distressing 
to  the  inhabitants  and  my  feelings,  was  by  order  of  the  Secretary 
of  War,  and  I  believe  at  the  same  time  proper.     The  inhabitants 
had  twelve  hours  notice  to  remove  their  effects,  and  such  as  chose 
to  come  across  the  river  were  provided  with  all  the  necessaries  of 
life.     I  left  captain  Leonard  in  the  command  of  Fort  Niagara, 
with  about  160  effective  regulars,  and  pointed  out  verbally,  and 
particularly  in  a  general  order,  how  he  should  prepare  for  an  attack, 
which  would  certainly  take  place.     I  stationed  colonel  Grieves's 
artillerists,  consisting  of  about  twenty  men,   with   two  pieces  of 
artillery,  at  Lewiston,  under  the  command  of  major  Bennet,  and 
made  them  a  present  of  400  dollars  for  volunteering  their  services 
three  weeks ;  but  before  that  place  was  attacked  they  nearly  all 
deserted,  except  the  officers,   who  bravely  defended  themselves, 
and  cut  their  way  through  the  savages.     The  Canadian  volunteers, 


292' 

about  40  in  number,  under  major  Mallorj,  an  officer  of  great 
merit,  I  stationed  at  Schlosser,  and  went  myself  to  Buffalo  to 
provide  for  the  safety  of  that  place,  and  Black  Rock,  which  I 
•trust  is  out  of  danger,  having  called  out  the  militia  of  Niagara  en 
masse. 

The  public  are  now  in  possession  of  some  of  the  leading  facts 
which  have  governed  my  conduct  in  the  discharge  of  the  trust 
assigned  me,  and  I  appeal  to  the  candour  of  every  dispassionate 
man  to  determine  with  what  justice  my  feelings  as  a  citizen,  and 
pride  as  a  soldier,  have  been  wounded,  and  my  character  aspersed. 
If  insubordination  to  the  orders  of  superiors  are  justifiable,  I  may 
have  failed  in  my  defence.  If  to  have  suppressed  the  risings  of 
mutiny  is  reprehensible,  then  also  am  I  not  justified.  If  to  have 
enforced  the  disciplinary  laws  of  a  camp  is  a  proceeding  unwar 
ranted,  then  have  I  been  in  error.  'But,  fellow  citizens,  I  do  not 
think  so  meanly  of  you  as  to  credit  the  monstrous  supposition, 
that  you  will  deliberately  advocate  such  strange  hypothesis.  Your 
prejudices  against  me  have  been  the  result  of  feelings  misled  by 
the  acts  of  my  enemies,  and  not  the  result  of  vour  sober  judgment, 
operating  upon  facts  and  principles.  Those  facts  are  now  before 
you.  On  those  facts  judge  me  in  your  candour,  and  I  will  abide 
your  decision. 

GEORGE  M'CLURE. 


Captain  Shaler,  of  the  privateer  governor  Tompkinst  to  his  agents 
in  New  York,  dated 

AT  SEA,  January  1st,  1814. 

,Two  days  after  despatching  the  Nereid  I  took  a  whaleman,  from 
London,  bound  for  the  South  seas ;  but  she  being  of  no  value  I 
took  out  such  stores,  &c.  as  I  could  stow;  and  being  much 
lumbered  with  prisoners  and  baggage,  I  put  them  on  board  and 
ordered  her  for  Falmouth. 

The  chasing  this  ship  had  taken  me  some  distance  off  my 
ground,  and,  owing  to  calms,  I  could  not  regain  it  until  the  25th 
ultimo,  when  at  sun-rise  three  sail  were  discovered  ahead,  and 
we  made  sail  in  chase.  The  wind  being  light,  we  came  slowly 
up  with  them.  On  a  nearer  approach  they  proved  to  be  two  ships 
and  a  brig.  One  of  the  ships  had  all  the  appearance  of  a  large 
transport;  and  from  their  manouvres,  they  appeared  to  have 
concerted  measures  for  a  mutual  defence ;  and  the  large  ship  ap 
peared  prepared  to  take  the  bulk  of  an  action.  Boats  were  seen 
passing  to  and  from  her  ;  she  had  boarding  nettings  almost  up  to 
her  tops ;  she  also  had  her  topmast  studding  sail  booms  out,  with 
the  sails  at  their  ends,  ready  for  a  running  fight.  Her  ports  ap 
peared  to  be  pointed,  and  she  had  something  on  deck  resembling 
u  merchantman's  boat;  and,  after  all,  what  the  deuce  do  you 
think  she  was  ?  Why  have  a  little  patience  and  I  will  tell  you. 


293 

At  .3  P.  M.  a  sudden  squall  struck  us  from  the  northward,  and 
the  ship  not  yet  having  received  it,  before  I  could  get  in  our  li^ht 
sails,  and  almost  before  I  could  turn  round,  I  was  under  the.  guns, 
not  of  a  transport,  but  of  a  LARGE  FRIGATE,  and  riot  more  1  tan 
one-third  of  a  mile  from  her.  I  immediately  hauled  down  En 
glish  colors,  which  1  previously  had  up,  set  three  American  en 
signs,  trimmed  our  sails  by  the  wind,  and  commenced  a  brisk: 
lire  from  our  little  battery ;  but  this  was  returned  with  woeful 
interest.  Her  first  broad  side  killed  two  men,  and  vrounded  six 
others,  two  of  whom  severely,  one  since  dead.  It  also  blew  up 
one  of  my  salt  boxes,  with  two  nine  pound  cartridges.  This  com 
municated  fire  to  a  number  of  pistols,  and  three  tube  boxes  chat 
were  lying  on  the  companion  way ;  all  of  which  exploded,  and 
some  of  the  tubes  penetrated  through  a  small  crevice  under  the 
companion  leaf,  and  found  their  way  to  the  cabin  floor:  but  tluit 
being  wet,  and  the  fire  screen  broken  up,  no  further  accident  took 
place. 

This,  together  with  the  tremendous  fire  from  the  frigate,  I  as 
sure  you,  made  warm  work  on  the  Tompkins's  quarter  deck ;  but 
thanks  to  her  heels,  and  the  exertions  of  my  brave  officers  and 
crew,  I  have  still  the  command  of  her.  When  she  opened  her 
fire  upon  me,  it  was  about  half  past  three.  I  was  then  a  little 
abaft  her  beam.  To  have  attempted  to  tack,  in  a  hard  squall, 
would  at  least  have  exposed  me  to  a  raking  fire  ;  and  to  have 
attempted  it  and  miss  would  have  been  attended  with  the  inevi 
table  loss  of  the  schooner.  I  therefore  thought  it  most  prudent 
to  take  her  fire  on  the  tack  on  which  I  was ;  and  this  I  was 
exposed  to  from  the  position  which  I  have  mentioned  until  I  pass 
ed  her  bow;  she  all  the  while  standing  on  with  me,  and  almost 
as  fast  as  ourselves ;  and  such  a  tune  as  was  played  round  my 
ears,  I  assure  you,  I  never  wish  to  hear  again  in  the  same  Avy. 
At  4  her  shot  began  to  fall  short  of  us;  at  half  past  four,  the  wind 
dying  away,  and  the  enemy  still  holding  it,  his  shot  agiin  began 
to  reach  us  ;  got  out  sweeps,  and  turned  ail  hands  to.  I  also 
threw  over  all  the  lumber  from  the  deck,  and  about  £000  weight 
of  shot  from  the  after  hold.  From  about  5,  A.  M.  all  his  shot  fell 
short  of  us.  At  about  2J  minutes  after  5,  the  enemy  hove  about, 
and  I  was  glad  to  get  so  well  clear  of  one  of  the  most  quarrelsome 
companions  that  I  ever  met  with.  After  the  first  broadside  from 
the  frigate,  no  shot  struck  the  hull  of  the  Tompkins;  but  the 
water  was  literally  in  a  foam  all  around  her.  The  moment  before 
the  squall  struck  us,  I  told  Mr.  Farnum  that  she  was  too  heavy 
or  us,  and  he  went  forward  with  a  glass  to  take  another  look'; 
when  the  squall  took  the  schooner  as  if  by  magic,  and  was  up  with 
her  before  we  could  get  in  our  light  sails. 

My  officers  conducted  themselves  in  a  way  that  would  have 
don e" honour  to  a  more  permanent  service:  Mr.  Farnum,  first 
lieutenant,  conducted  himself  with  his  usual  vigor.  Mr.  jVchejjon, 


294 

sailing  master,  performed  his  part  in  the  style  of  a  brave  and 
accomplished  sea.<nan.  Messrs.  Miller  and  Dodd,  second  and 
third  lieutenants,  were  riot  so  immediately  under  my  eye ;  but 
the  precision  and  promptitude  with  which  all  my  orders  were 
executed,  is  sufficient  proof  that  they  are  to  be  relied  on.  Mr. 
Thomas,  boatswain,  and  Mr.  Caswell,  master's  mate,  were  parti 
cularly  active,  and  deserve  encouragement. 

The  name  of  one  of  my  poor  fellows,  who  wras  killed,  ought  to 
be  registered  on  the  book  of  fame,  and  remembered  with  rever 
ence  as  long  as  bravery  is  considered  a  virtue.  He  was  a  black 
man,  named  John  Johnson.  A  24  pound  shot  struck  him  in  the 
hip,  and  took  away  all  the  lower  part  of  his  body.  In  this  state 
the  poor  brave  fellow  lay  on  deck,  and  several  times  exclaimed 
to  his  shipmates,  "  Fire  away  my  boys! — JVo  haul  a  color  down" 
The  other  was  also  a  black  man  by  the  name  of  John  Davis,  and 
was  struck  in  much  the  same  way.  He  fell  near  me,  and  several 
times  requested  to  be  thrown  overboard,  saying,  "  He  was  only  in 
the  way  of  others"  Whilst  America  has  such  tars,  she  has  little 
to  fear  from  the  tyrants  of  Europe. 

From  the  circumstance  of  her  shot  being  24  pounders,  (which 
I  assure  you  is  the  case,  as  we  have  fdt  and  weighed  them)  I  am 
of  opinion  it  was  the  Laurel,  a  new  frigate  which  I  had  information 
of.  A  gentleman  whom  I  took,  told  me  she  was  in  the  fleet;  that 
she  wus  built  and  manned  on  purpose  to  cope  with  our  frigates ; 
and  that  if  she  got  sight  of  me,  she  would  certainly  take  me,  as  she 
was  the  fastest  sailer  he  ever  saw.  Enclosed  you  have  a  list  of 
the  killed  and  wounded.  In  every  thing  else  we  are  in  good 
order  and  high  spirits. 

Yours  respectfully, 

NATHANIEL  SHALER. 

Killed  2.     Wounded  6  ;  one  of  whom  since  dead. 


FORT  CLATBORNE,  EAST  BANK  OF  ALABAMA, 

85  miles  above  Fort  Stoddert,  January  1st,  1814. 
81K, 

On  the  13th  ultimo,  I  marched  a  detachment  from  this  post 
with  the  view  of  destroying  the  towns  of  the  inimical  Creek  Indians, 
on  the  Alabama,  above  the  mouth  of  the  Cahaba.  After  having 
marched  about  80  miles,  from  the  best  information  I  could  obtain, 
[  was  within  thirty  miles  of  a  town,  newly  erected  on  ground 
called  Holy,  occupied  by  a  large  body  of  the  enemy,  under  the 
command  of  Weatherford,  the  half  breed  chief,  who  was  one  of 
those  who  commanded  the  Indians  that  destroyed  the  garrison  at 
Minis,  in  August  last,  and  who  has  committed  many  depredations 
on  the  frontier  inhabitants.  1  immediately  caused  a  stockade  to 
be  erected  for  the  security  of  the  heavy  baggage  and  sick.  On 


295 

the  morning  of  the  22d  the  troops  resumed  their  line  of  march 
chiefly  through  woods,  without  a  track  to  guide  them.  When 
near  the  town,  on  the  morning  of  the  23d,  my  disposition  for 
attack  was  made.  The  troops  advanced  in  three  columns.  With 
the  centre  column  I  advanced  myself,  ordering  Lester's  guards 
and  Wells's  troop  of  dragoons  to  act  as  a  corps  of  reserve.  About 
noon  the  right  column,  composed  of  twelve  months'  volun 
teers,  commanded  by  colonel  Joseph  Carson,  came  in  view  of  the 
town  called  Eecanachaca  (or  Holy  Ground),  and  was  immediately 
vigorously  attacked  by  the  enemy,  who  were  apprized  of  our 
approach,  and  had  chosen  their  field  of  action. 

Before  the  centre,  commanded  by  lieutenant  colonel  Russell, 
with  a  part  of  the  3d  regiment  of  United  States'  infantry  and 
mounted  militia  riflemen,  or  the  left  column,  which  was  composed 
of  militia  and  a  party  of  Choctaws,  under  Pushamuttaha,  com 
manded  by  major  Smoot,  of  militia,  who  were  ordered  to  charge, 
could  come  generally  into  action,  the  enemy  were  repulsed,  arid 
were  Hying  in  all  directions,  many  of  them  casting  away  their 
arms.  Thirty  of  the  enemy  were  killed,  and,  judging  from  every 
appearance,  many  were  wounded.  The  loss  on  our  part  was  one 
corporal  killed,  and  one  ensign,  two  sergeants,  one  corporal  and 
two  privates  wounded. 

A  pursuit  was  immediately  ordered  ;  but  from  the  nature  of 
the  country,  nothing  was  effected.  The  town  was  nearly  sur 
rounded  by  swamps  and  deep  ravines,  which  rendered  our  ap 
proach  difficult,  and  facilitated  the  escape  of  the  enemy.  In  the 
town  we  found  a  large  quantity  of  provision  and  immense  pro 
perty  of  various  kinds,  which  the  enemy,  flying  precipitately, 
were  obliged  to  leave  behind,  and  which,  together  with  two  hun 
dred  houses,  were  destroyed.  They  had  barely  time  to  remove 
their  women  and  children  across  the  Alabama,  which  runs  near 
where  the  town  stood.  The  next  day  was  occupied  in  destroying 
a  town,  consisting  of  sixty  houses,  eight  miles  higher  up  the  river, 
and  in  taking  and  destroying  the  enemy's  boats.  At  the  town 
last  destroyed  was  killed  three  Indians  of  some  distinction.  The 
town  first  destroyed  was  built  since  the  commencement  of  hosti 
lities,  and  was  established  as  a  place  of  security  for  the  inh<i!>I 
tants  of  several  villages.  The  leader  Weatherford,  Francis,  ami 
the  Choctaw  Sinquistur's  son,  who  were  principal  prophets,  resi 
ded  here.  Three  Shawanese  were  among  the  slain. 

Colonel  Carson,  of  the  volunteers,  lieutenant  colonel  Russell,  of 
the  3d  regiment  United  States'  infantry,  and  major  Smoot,  of  the 
militia,  greatly  distinguished  themselves.  The  activity  and  ze#l 

iptain  VVert,  and 


of  the  assistant  deputy  quarter  master  general,  captai 
ni)  brigade  major,  Kennedy,  merit  the  approbation  of  j 


government. 


I  was  much  indebted  to  my  aid-de-camp,  lieutenant  Calvit,  of 
volunteers,  to  lieutenant  licbeson,  of  the  3d  regiment,  and  major 
Caller,  of  militia,  who  acted  as  my  aids  on  that  dayft  for  the 


206 

promptness  and  ability  with  which  they  performed  their  several 
duties.  Tiu1  officers  of  the  different  corps  behaved  handsomely, 
and  are  entitled  to  distinction.  Courage  animated  every  counte 
nance,  and  each  vied  with  the  other  in  rendering  service. 

I  have  taken  the  liberty  of  communicating  to  you  directly,  in 
consequence  of  the  distant  station  ot  the  general  commanding  the 
district,  and  also  for  the  purpose  of  forwarding  to  you  the  enclosed 
original  document  which  was  found  in  the  house  of  Wcatherford. 
It  shows  particularly  the  conduct  of  the  Spaniards  towards  the 
American  government.  The  third  regiment  has  returned  to  this 
place,  and  volunteers  are  on  the  march  to  mount  Vernon,  near 
fort  Stoddert,  for  the  purpose  of  being  paid  off  and  discharged, 
their  terms  of  service  having  generally  expired. 

1  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

FERD.  L.  CLAIBORNE, 

Ift'ig.  Gen.  of  Volunteers, 
Honourable  John  Armstrong1. 


CAMP  DEFIANCE,  48  MILES  WEST  OF  CIIATAHOUCIIEE, 

January  27tli,   1814. 

SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  acquaint  your  excellency,  that  this  morn 
ing  at  twenty  minutes  past  five  o'clock,  a  very  large  body  of  hos 
tile  Indians,  made  a  desperate  attack  on  the  army  under  my 
command.  They  stole  upon  the  sentinels,  fired  upon  them,  and 
with  great  impetuosity  rushed  upon  our  lines;  in  twenty  minutes 
the  action  became  general,  and  our  front,  right  and  left  flanks 
were  closely  pressed;  but  the  brave  and  gallant  conduct  of  the 
field  and  line  officers,  arid  the  iirumess  of  the  men,  repelled  them 
at  every  point. 

The  steady  firmness  and  incessant  fire  of  captain  Thomas's 
artillery,  arid  captain  Adams's  riflemen,  preserved  our  frontline: 
both  of  these  companies  suffered  greatly.  The  enemy  rushed 
within  fifty  yards  of  the  artillery,  and  captain  Broadnax,  who 
commanded  one  of  the  picket  guards,  maintained  his  post  with 
great  bravery  until  the  enemy  gained  his  rear,  and  then  cut  his 
way  through  them  to  the  army.  On  this  occasion  Timpoochie 
Barnuei,  a  half-breed,  at  the  head  of  the  Uchies,  distinguished 
himself  and  contributed  to  the  retreat  of  the  picket  guard ;  the 
other  frienuTy  Indians  took  refuge  within  our  lines  and  remained 
inactive,  with  the  exception  of  a  few  who  joined  our  ranks.  So 
soon  as  it  became  light  enough  to  distinguish  objects,  I  ordered 
majors  Watson's  and  Freeman's  battalions  to  wheel  up  at  right 
angles  with  majors  Booth's  and  Cleveland's  battalions,  (who  form 
ed  right  wing,)  to  prepare  lor  the  charge.  Captain  Duke  Hamil 
ton's  cavalry  (who  had  reached  me  but  the  day  before,)  was  or 
dered  to  form  in  the  rear  of  the  right  wing  to  act  as  circumstances 


297 

should  dictate :  the  order  for  the  charge  was  promptly  obeyed, 
and  the  enemy  fled  in  every  direction  before  the  bayonet.  The 
signal  was  given  for  the  charge  of  the  cavalry  who  pursued,  and 
sabred  fifteen  of  the  enemy  who  left  thirty-seven  dead  on  the  field  : 
from  the  effusion  of  blood  arid  the  number  of  head-dresses  and 
war-dubs  found  in  various  directions,  their  loss  must  have  been 
considerable,  independent  of  the  wounded.  I  directed  the  friend 
ly  Indians,  with  Meriwether's  arid  Ford's  rifle  companies,  accom 
panied  by  captain  Hamilton's  troop,  to  pursue  them  through  Cali- 
bee  Swamp,  where  they  were  trailed  by  their  blood,  but  succeeded 
in  overtaking  but  one  of  their  wounded. 

Colonel  Newman  received  three  balls  in  the  commencement  of 
the  action,  which  deprived  me  of  the  services  of  that  gallant  and 
useful  officer.  The  assistant  adjutant  general  Narden,  was  inde 
fatigable  in  the  discharge  of  his  duty,  and  rendered  important 
services  :  his  horse  was  wounded  under  him.  The  whole  of  the 
staff  was  prompt,  and  discharged  their  duty  with  courage  and 
fidelity ;  their  vigilance,  the  intrepidity  of  the  officers,  and  the 
firmness  of  the  men,  meet  my  approbation,  and  deserve  the  praise 
of  their  country.  I  have  to  regret  the  death  of  many  of  my 
brave  fellows,  who  have  found  honourable  graves  in  the  voluntary 
support  of  their  country.  My  aid-de-camp,  in  executing  my  orders, 
had  his  horse  killed  under  him.  General  Lee  and  major  Pace, 
who  acted  as  additional  aids,  rendered  me  essential  service  with 
honour  to  themselves  and  usefulness  to  the  cause  in  which  they 
are  embarked.  Four  wagon  and  several  other  horses  were  killed, 
and  two  of  the  artillery  horses  wounded.  While  I  deplore  the 
loss  sustained  on  this  occasion,  I  have  the  consolation  to  know 
that  the  men  which  I  have  the  honour  to  command  have  done  their 
duty.  I  herewith  transmit  you  a  list  of  the  killed  and  wound. 
I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

JOHN  FLOYD,  Brigadier  General. 
Major  general  Pinckney. 


January  28th,  1814. 

SIR, 

The  patriotism  that  brought  you  into  the  field  at  your  ad 
vanced  age,  which  prompted  you  on  with  me  to  face  the  enemy  in 
the  late  excursion  to  the  Talapoosie  river,  the  example  of  order, 
and  your  admonition  to  strict  subordination  throughout  the  lines, 
and,  lastly,  the  bravery  you  displayed  in  the  battle  of  Enotochopco, 
by  re-crossing  the  creek,  entering  the  pursuit,  exposing  your  per 
son,  and  thereby  saving  the  life  of  lieutenant  Moss,  and  killing 
the  Indian,  entitle  you  to  the  thanks  of  your  general  and  the 
approbation  of  your  country.  Not  having  it  in  my  power  to  move 
forward  until  the  troops  from  East  and  West  Tennessee  arrive, 
(I  mean  the  1500  ordered  for  six  months'  service,  under  the  re 
quisition  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  and  the  late  order  of  general 
38 


298 

Pinckney,  with  colonel  Williams's  regiment,  and  such  other  auxi 
liary  troops,  as  may  be  permitted  by  the  orders  of  the  governor  of 
the  state)  I  have  to  request  that  you  will  forthwith  repair  to  East 
Tennessee,  and  use  your  best  exertions  in  hurrying  those  troops 
to  this  point  at  the   earliest  possible  day.     The  character  of  the 
state,    by   the    retrograde    of    the  troops,    and    the    failure    of 
having  in  the  field  such  troops  as  were  required  by  the  Secretary 
of  War,  had  like  to  have  been  tarnished.     The  public  service  has 
been  much  retarded  thereby  and   much   injured,  and  the  public 
expense  much  enhanced,     ft  is  alone  from  the  exertions  of  men 
of  influence,  that   those  evils   can  be  cured,  the  public  service 
promoted,  and  the  objects  of  the  campaign   Drought  to  a  speedy 
and  successful  issue,  whereby  the  high  standing  of  the  patriotism 
of  the  state  of  Tennessee  may  be   regained,  which  had  like  to 
have  been  buried  by  the  conduct  of  miscreants  whose  sole  object 
is  popular  views  and  self  aggrandizement.     You  have  been  with 
me — you  have  been   a  faithful  observer    of  the    passing  scenes, 
and  do   know  that  these  would  be  patriots,   these  town  meet 
ing    boasters,  these  men    who  will  not  act  themselves,  but  find 
fault  with  every  thing,  have  been  destroying  the  true  interests  of 
their  country,  the  cause  we  are  engaged  in,  and  every  thing  valua 
ble  to  freemen  to  insure  the  cause  of  our  country,  when  it  came 
in  contact  with  their  own  individual  views,  and  their  own  private 
aggrandizement.    The  eyes  of  the  faithful  and  experienced  patri 
ot,  one  whose  country's  good  it  has  in  common  with  his  fellow-citi 
zens,  has  seen  and  felt  these  growing  evils.     You  are  one  amongst 
this  number,  in  whose  exertions  I  have  confidence,  and  in  whose 
patriotism  I  rely,  and  who  has  experience,  and  sees  things  as  they 
really  exist,  and   will,  with  the  true  patriotism  of  an  American, 
aid  the  present  campaign  to  a  speedy  and   successful  issue.     1 
therefore  repeat,  that  I  wish  you  to  repair  to  East  Tennessee  and 
use  your  utmost  in  sending  on  the  troops  and  sufficient  supplies  of 
provisions  with  them,  with  which  that  country  abundantly  abounds, 
and  which  have  from  some  unknown  and  strange  cause  been  with- 
holden  from  me.    Your  experience  and  patriotism  are  a  sure  pledge 
to  me  that  your  best  exertions  will  be  used  to  promote  the  present 
campaign. 

Receive,  sir,  my  best  wishes,  and  believe  me  to  be  respectfully, 
Your  most  obedient  servant, 

ANDREW  JACKSON,  Maj.  Gen.  Comdg. 
Colonel  William  Cocke. 


HEAD  QUARTERS    FORT  STROTHER,  January  29th,  1814. 

SIR, 

I  had  the  honour  of  informing  you  in  a  letter  of  the  31st  ult.  for 
warded  by  Mr.  M'Candless  (express)  of  an  excursion  I  contemplat 
ed  making  still  further  in  the  enemy's  country  with  the  new  raised 


volunteers  from  Tennessee.  I  had  ordered  those  troops  to  fbrtia  a 
junction  with  me  on  the  10th  instant,  but  they  did  not  arrive  until 
the  14th.  Their  number,  including  officers,  was  about  800 ;  and 
on  the  15th,  I  marched  .them  across  the  river  to  graze  their  horses. 
On  the  next  day  I  followed  with  the  remainder  of  my  force,  con 
sisting  ot  the  artillery  company  with  one  six-pounder,  one  com 
pany  of  infantry  of  48  men,  two  companies  of  spies,  commanded 
oy  captains  Gordon  and  Russell,  of  about  30  men  each,  and  a 
company  of  volunteer  officers,  headed  by  general  Coffee,  who  had. 
been  abandoned  by  his  men,  and  who  still  remained  in  the  field 
awaiting  the  order  of  the  government ;  making  my  force,  exclusive 
of  Indians,  930. 

The  motives  which  induced  me  to  penetrate  still  further  into 
the  enemy's  country,  with  this  force,  were  many  and  urgent.  The 
term  of  service  of  the  new  raised  volunteers  was  short,  and  a  con 
siderable  part  of  it  was  expired ;  they  were  expensive  to  the 
government,  and  were  full  of  ardor  to  meet  the  enemy.  'Jhe  ill 
effects  of  keeping  soldiers  of  this  description  long  stationary  and 
idle,  I  had  been  made  to  feel  but  too  sensibly  already  :  other 
causes  concurred  to  make  such  a  movement  not  only  justifiable 
but  absolutely  necessary.  I  had  received  a  letter  from  captain 
M'Alpin,  of  the  5th  instant,  who  commanded  at  Fort  Armstrong, 
in  the  absence  of  colonel  Snodgrass,  informing  me  that  14  or  15 
towns  of  the  enemy,  situated  on  the  waters  of  the  Talapoosie, 
were  about  uniting  their  forces,  and  attacking  that  place,  which 
had  been  left  in  a  very  feeble  state  of  defence.  You  had  in  your 
letter  of  the  24th  ult.  informed  me  that  general  Floyd  was  about 
to  make  a  movement  to  the  Talapoosie,  near  its  junction  with  the 
Coosee  ;  and  in  the  same  letter  had  recommended  temporary  ex~ 
cursions  against  such  of  the  enemy's  towns  or  settlements  as  might 
be  within  striking  distance,  as  well  to  prevent  my  men  from  be 
coming  discontented  as  to  harass  the  enemy.  Your  ideas  corres 
ponded  exactly  with  my  own,  and  I  was  happy  in  the  opportunity 
of  keeping  my  men  engaged  distressing  the  enemy,  and  at  the 
same  time  making  a  diversion  to  facilitate  the  operations  of  general 
Floyd. 

Determined  by  these  and  other  considerations,  I  took  up  the 
line  of  march  on  the  17th  instant,  and  on  the  night  of  the  18th 
encamped  at  Talledega  Fort,  where  I  was  joined  by  between  two 
and  three  hundred  friendly  Indians  ;  sixty 'five  of  which  were 
Cherokees,  the  balance  Creeks.  Here  I  received  your  letter  of 
the  9th  instant,  stating  that  general  Floyd  was  expected  to  make 
a  movement  from  Cowetau  the  next  day,  and  that  in  ten  days 
thereafter  he  would  establish  a  firm  position  at  Tuckabachee  ;  and 
also  a  letter  from  colonel  Snodgrass,  who  had  returned  to  Fort 
Armstrong,  informing  me  that  an  attack  was  intended  to  be  sooo 
made  on  that  fort,  by  900  of  the  enemy.  It  I  could  have  hesitated 
before,  I  could  now  hesitate  no  longer.  I  resolved  to  lose  no  time 
in  meeting  this  force,  which  was  understood  to  have  been  collect. 


300 

ed  from  New  Yorcau,  Oakfuskee,  and  Ufauley  towns,  and  were 
concentrated  in  a  bend  of  the  Talapoosie,  near  the  mouth  of  a  creek 
called  Emuckfau,  and  or  an  island  below  New  Yorcau. 

On  the  morning  of  the  20th,  your  letter  of  the  10th  instant,  for 
warded  by  M'Candless,  reached  me  at  the  Hillibee  Creek,  and 
that  night  I  encamped  at  Enotochopco,  a  small  Hillibee  village 
about  twelve  miles  from  Emucfau.  Here  I  began  to  perceive  very 
plainly  how  little  knowledge  my  spies  had  of  the  country,  of  the 
situation  of  the  enemy,  or  of  the  distance  I  was  from  them.  The 
insubordination  of  the  new  troops,  and  the  want  of  skill  in  most 
of  their  officers,  also  became  more  and  more  apparent.  But  their 
ardor  to  meet  the  enemy  was  not  diminished  ;  and  I  had  a  sure 
reliance  upon  the  guards,  and  the  company  of  old  volunteer  offi 
cers,  and  upon  the  spies,  in  all  about  125.  My  wishes  and  my 
duty  remained  united,  and  I  was  determined  to  effect,  if  possible, 
the  objects  for  which  the  excursion  had  been  principally  underta 
ken. 

On  the  morning  of  the  21st,  I  marched  from  Enotochapco  as 
direct  as  I  could  for  the  bend  of  the  Talapoosie,  and  about  two 
o'clock  P.  M.  my  spies  having  discovered  two  of  the  enemy,  en 
deavoured  to  overtake  them,  but  failed.  In  the  evening  1  fell  in 
upon  a  large  trail,  which  led  to  a  new  road,  much  beaten  and  late 
ly  travelled.  Knowing  that  I  must  have  arrived  within  the  neigh 
bourhood  of  a  ^trong  force,  and  it  being  late  in  the  day,  I  deter 
mined  to  encamp,  and  reconnoitre  the  country  in  the  night.  I 
chose  the  best  site  the  country  would  admit,  encamped  in  a  hol 
low  square,  sent  out  my  spies  and  pickets,  doubled  my  sentinels, 
and  made  the  necessary  arrangements  before  dark,  for  a  night 
attack.  About  ten  o'clock  at  night,  one  of  the  pickets  fired  at 
three  of  the  enemy,  and  killed  one,  but  he  was  not.  found  until  the 
next  day.  At  1 1  o'clock  the  spies  whom  1  had  sent  out  returned 
with  information,  that  there  was  a  large  encampment  of  Indians  at 
the  distance  of  about  three  miles,  who  from  their  whooping  and 
dancing  seemed  to  be  apprised  of  our  approach.  One  of  these 
spies,  an  Indian  in  whom  1  had  great  confidence,  assured  me  tiiat 
they  were  carrying  off  their  women  and  children,  and  that  the 
warriors  would  either  make  their  escape  or  attack  me  before  day. 
Being  prepared  at  all  points,  nothing  remained  to  be  done  but  to 
await  their  approach,  if  they  meditated  an  attack,  or  to  be  in  rea 
diness,  if  they  did  not,  to  pursue  and  attack  them  at  day-light. 
While  we  were  in  this  state  of  readiness,  the  enemy,  al>out  six 
o'clock  in  the  morning,  commenced  a  vigorous  attack  on  my  left 
flank,  which  was  vigorously  met:  the  action  continued  to  rage  on 
my  left  flank,  and  on  the  left  of  my  rear  for  about  half  an  hour. 
The  brave  general  Coffee,  with  colonel  Sitler,  the  adjutant  gene 
ral,  and  colonel  Carroll,  the  inspector  general,  the  moment  the 
firing  commenced,  mounted  their  horses  and  repaired  to  the  line, 
encouraging  and  animating  the  men  to  the  performance  of  their 
duty.  So  soon  as  it  became  light  enough  to  pursue,  the  left  wing 


301 


bavin"-  sustained  the  heat  of  the  action,  and  being  somewhat  weak  - 
ened,  was  reinforced  by  captain  FerrilPs  company  ot  infantry, 
and  was  ordered  and  led  on  to  the  charge  by  general  Coffee,  who 
was  well  supported  by  colonel  Higgins  and  the  inspector  general, 
and  by  all  the  officers  and  privates  who  composed  that  line.  1  he 
enemv  was  completely  routed  at  every  point,  and  tne  friendly 
Indians  joining  in  the  pursuit,  they  were  chased  about  two  mi. 
with  considerable  slaughter. 

The  chase  being  over,  I  immediately  detached  general  Loftee 
with  400  men  and  all  the  Indian  force  to  burn  their  encampment ; 
but  it  was  said  by  some  to  be  fortified.     I  ordered  him  in  that, 
event  not  to  attack  it,  until  the  artillery  could  be  sent  iorw ard  to 
reduce  it.     On   viewing  the  encampment  and  its  strength,  the 
general  thought  it  most  prudent  to  return  to  my  encampment  and 
guard  the  artillery  thither.     The  wisdom  of  this  step  was   soon 
discovered  ;  in  half  an  hour  after  his  return  to  camp,  a  considera 
ble  portion  of  the  enemy  made  its  appearance  on  my  right  flank, 
and  commenced  a  brisk  fire  on  a  party  of  men  who  had  been  on 
picket  <vuard  the  night  before,  and  were  then  in  search  of  the  In 
dians  they  had  fired  upon,  some  of  whom  they  believe  have  been 
killed.     General  Coffee  immediately  requested  me  to  let  him  take 
200  men  and  turn  their  left  flank,  which  I  accordingly  ordered  ; 
but  through  some  mistake,  which  I  did  not  then  observe,  not  more 
than  54  followed  him,  among  whom  were  the  old  volunteer  officers. 
"With  these,   however,  he  immediately  commenced  an  attack  on 
the  left  flank  of  the  enemy ;  at  which  time  I  ordered  200  of  the 
friendly  Indians  to  fall  in  upon  the  right  flank  of  the  enemy  and 
co-operate  with  the  general.    This  order  was  promptly  obeyed, 
and  in  the  moment  of  its  execution,  what  I  expected  was  realized. 
The  enemy  had  intended  the  attack  on  the  right  as  a  feint,  and, 
expecting  to  divert  all  my  attention  thither,  meant  to  attack  me 
ao-ain  with  their  main  force  on  the  left  flank,  which  they  had 
hoped  to  find  weakened  and  in  disorder.— They  were  disatrpomt- 
e(K     I  had  ordered  the  left  flank  to  remain  firm  to  its  place,  and 
the  moment  the  alarm  gun  was  heard  in  that  quarter,  I  rep 
thither,  and  ordered  captain  Ferrill,  part  of  my  reserve,  to  supporr, 
it.     The  whole  line  met  the  approach  of  the  enemy  with  astonish 
ing  intrepidity,  and    having  given   a  few  fires,  they   forthwith 
charged  with  great  vigor.     The  effect  was  immediate  and   inevi 
table!     The  enemy  fled  with   precipitation,  and  were  pursued  to 
a  considerable  distance  by  the  left  flank  and  the  friendly  Indians, 
with  a  "-ailing  and  destructive  fire.     Colonel  Carroll,  who  order 
ed  the  charge,  led  on  the  pursuit,  and  colonel. Higgins  and  his 
regiment  again  distinguished  themselves. 

In  the  meantime  general  Coffee  was  contending  with  a  superi 
or  force  of  the  enemy.  The  Indians,  who  I  had  ordered  to  his 
support,  and  who  had  set  out  for  this  purpose,  hearing  the  fire  on 
the  left,  had  returned  to  that  quarter,  and  when  the  enemy  Mere 
routed  there,  entered  into  the  chase.  That  being  now  over,  I 


302 

forthwith  ordered  Jim  Fife,  who  was  one  of  the  principal  c«wVi- 
manders  of  the  friendly  Creeks,  with  100  of  his  warriors,  to  exe 
cute  my  first  order.  As  soon  as  he  reached  general  Coffee,  the 
charge  was  made  and  the  enemy  routed  :  they  were  pursued  about 
three  miles,  and  45  of  them  slain,  who  were  found.  General 
Coffee  was  wounded  in  the  body,  and  his  aid -de-camp,  A.  Donald 
son,  killed,  together  with  three  others.  Having  brought  in  and 
buried  the  dead,  and  dressed  the  wounded,  1  ordered  my  carnp 
to  be  fortified,  to  be  the  better  prepared  to  repel  any  attack  which 
might  be  made  in  the  night;  determined  to  commence  a  return 
march  to  Fort  Strother  the  following  day. 

Many  causes  concurred  to  make  such  a  measure  necessary,  as 
I  had  not  set  out  prepared,  or  with  a  view  to  make  a  permanent 
establishment.  I  considered  it  worse  than  useless  to  advance  arid 
destroy  an  empty  encampment.  I  had,  indeed,  hoped  to  have 
met  the  enemy  there,  but  having  met  and  beaten  them  a  little 
sooner,  I  did  not  think  it  necessary  or  prudent  to  proceed  any 
further :  not  necessary,  because  I  had  accomplished  all  I  could 
expect  to  effect  by  marching  to  their  encampment ;  and  because, 
if  it  was  proper  to  contend  with  and  weaken  their  forces  still  fur 
ther,  this  object  would  be  more  certainly  attained  by  commencing 
a  return,  which,  ha\ing  to  them  the  appearance  of  a  retreat,  would 
inspirit  them  to  pursue  me.  Not  prudent,  because  of  the  number 
of  my  wounded,  of  the  reinforcements  from  below  which  the  ene 
my  might  be  expected  to  receive ;  of  the  starving  condition  of  my 
horses,  they  having  had  neither  corn  nor  cane  for  two  days  ami 
nights;  of  the  scarcity  of  supplies  for  my  men,  the  Indians  who 
met  me  at  Talladega,  having  drawn  none,  and  being  wholly  desti 
tute  ;  and  because,  if  the  enemy  pursued  me,  as  it  was  likely  they 
would,  the  diversion  in  favour  of  general  Floyd  would  be  the  more 
complete  and  effectual.  Influenced  by  these  considerations  I 
commenced  my  return  march  at  half  past  ten,  on  the  23d,  and 
was  fortunate  enough  to  reach  Enotochopco  before  night,  having 
passed  without  interruption  a  dangerous  defile,  occasioned  by  a 
hurricane.  I  again  fortified  my  camp,  and  having  another  defile 
to  pass  in  the  morning,  across  a  deep  creek,  and  between  two  hills, 
which  I  had  viewed  with  attention  as  I  passed  on,  and  where  I 
expected  I  might  be  attacked,  I  determined  to  pass  it  at  another 
point,  and  gave  directions  to  my  guide  and  fatigue  men  accord 
ingly.  My  expectation  of  an  attack  in  the  morning  was  increased 
by  the  signs  of  the  night,  and  with  it  my  caution.  Before  I 
moved  the  wounded  from  the  interior  of  my  camp,  I  had 
my  front  and  rear  guards  formed,  as  well  as  my  right  and  left 
columns,  ana  moved  off'  my  centre  in  regular  order,  leading  down 
a  handsome  ridge  to  Enotochopco  creek,  at  a  point  where  it  was 
clear  of  reed,  except  immediately  on  its  margin.  I  had  previously 
issued  a  general  order,  pointing  out  the  manner  in  which  the  men 
should  be  formed  in  the  event  of  an  attack  on  the  front  or  rear, 


803 

or  on  the  flanks,  and  had  particularly  cautioned  the  officers  to 
halt  and  form  accordingly,  the  instant  the  word  should  be  given. 
The  front  guard  had  crossed  with  part  of  the  flank  columns,  the 
wounded  were  over,  and  the  artillery  in  the  act  of  entering 
the  creek,  when  an  alarm  gun  was  heard  in  the  rear.  I  heard 
it  without  surprise,  and  even  with  pleasure;  calculating  with  the 
utmost  confidence  on  the  firmness  of  my  troops,  from  the  manner 
in  which  I  had  seen  them  act  on  the  22d.  1  had  placed  colonel 
Carroll  at  the  head  of  the  centre  column  of  the  rear  guard  ;  its 
right  column  was  commanded  by  colonel  Perkins,  and  its  left  by 
colonel  Stump.  Having  chosen  the  ground,  J  expected  there  to 
have  entirely  cut  oft'  the  enemy  by  wheeling  the  right  and  left 
columns  on  their  pivot,  re- crossing  the  creek  above  and  below, 
and  falling  in  upon  their  flanks  arid  rear.  But  to  my  astonish 
ment  and  mortification,  when  the  word  was  given  by  colonel  Car 
roll  to  halt  and  form,  and  a  few  guns  had  been  fired,  I  beheld  the 
right  and  left  columns  of  the  rear  guard  precipitately  give  way. 
This  shameful  retreat  was  disastrous  in  the  extreme ;  it  drew 
along  with  it  the  greatest  part  of  the  centre  column,  leaving  not 
more  than  25  men,  who  being  formed  by  colonel  Carroll,  maintain 
ed  their  ground  as  long  as  it  was  possible  to  maintain  it,  and  it 
brought  consternation  and  confusion  into  the  centre  of  the  army, 
a  consternation  which  was  not  easily  removed,  and  a  confusion 
which  could  not  soon  be  restored  to  order.  There  was  then  left 
,  to  repulse  the  enemy,  the  few  who  remained  of  the  rearguard, 
the  artillery  company  and  captain  Russell's  company  of  spies. 
They,  however,  realized  and  exceeded  my  highest  expectations. 
Lieutenant  Armstrong,  who  commanded  the  artillery  company  in 
the  absence  of  captain  Deadrick  (confined  by  sickness),  ordered 
them  to  form  and  advanced  to  the  top  of  the  hill,  whilst  he  and  a 
few  others  dragged  up  the  six  pounder.  Never  was  more  bravery 
displayed  than  on  this  occasion.  Amidst  the  most  galling  fire 
from  the  enemy,  more  than  ten  times  their  number,  they  ascended 
the  hill  and  maintained  their  position,  until  their  piece  was  hauled 
up,  when,  having  levelled  it,  they  poured  upon  the  enemy  a  fire 
of  grape,  re-loaded  and  fired  again,  charged  and  repulsed  them. 

The  most  deliberate  bravery  was  displayed  by  Constantine 
Perkins  and  Craven  Jackson  of  the  artillery,  acting;  as  gunners, 
[n  the  hurry  of  the  moment  in  separating  the  gun  from  the  lim 
bers,  the  rammer  and  picker  of  the  cannon  were  left  tied  to  the 
limber  :  no  sooner  was  this  discovered,  than  Jackson,  amidst  the 
galling  fire  of  the  enemy,  pulled  out  the  ramrod  of  his  musket, 
and  used  it  as  a  picker ;  primed  with  a  cartridge  and  fired  the 
cannon.  Perkins  having  pulled  oft*  his  bayonet,  used  his  mus 
ket  as  aJ  rammer,  drove  down  the  cartridge  ;  and  Jackson,  using 
his  former  plan,  again  discharged  her.  The  brave  lieutenant 
Armstrong,  just  after  the  first  fire  of  the  cannon,  with  captain 
Hamilton,  of  East  Tennessee,  Bradford  and  McGavock,  all  fell, 
the  lieutenant  exclaiming  as  he  lay,"  my  bravefelluws,  some  of  you 


304 

may  fall,  hut  you  must  save  the  cannon."  About  this  time,  a  num 
ber  crossed  the  creek  and  entered  into  the  chase.  The  brave 
captain  Gordon  of  the  spies,  who  rushed  from  the  front,  endea 
vored  to  turn  the  left  flank  of  the  enemy,  in  which  he  partially- 
succeeded,  and  colonel  Carroll,  colonel  Higgins  and  captains 
Elliot  and  Pipkins  pursued  the  enemy  for  more  than  two  miles, 
who  tied  in  consternation,  throwing  away  their  packs,  and  leaving 
twenty-six  of  their  warriors  dead  on  the  field.  This  last  defeat 
was  decisive,  and  we  were  no  more  disturbed  by  their  yells. 
I  should  do  injustice  to  my  feelings  if  I  omitted  to  mention  that 
the  venerable  judge  Cocke,  at  the  age  of  sixty-five,  entered  into 
the  engagement,  continued  the  pursuit  of  the  enemy  with  youth 
ful  ardor,  and  saved  the  life  of  a  fellow  soldier  by  killing  his 
savage  antagonist. 

Our  loss  in  this  affair  was  killed  and  wounded  ;  among 

the  for.ner  was  the  brave  captain  Hamilton,  of  East  Tennessee, 
who  had,  with  his  aged  father  and  two  others  of  his  company, 
after  the  period  of  his  engagement  had  expired,  volunteered  his 
services  for  this  excursion,  and  attached  himself  to  the  artillery 
company.  No  man  ever  fought  more  bravely  or  fell  more  glori 
ously  ;  and  by  his  side  fell  with  equal  bravery  and  glory,  Bird 
Evans  of  the  same  company.  Captain  Quarles,  who  commanded 
the  centre  column  of  the  rear  guard,  preferring  death  to  abandoning 
his  post,  having  taken  a  firm  stand  in  which  he  was  followed  by 
twenty-live  of  his  men,  received  a  wound  in  his  head  of  which  he 
has  since  died. 

In  these  several  engagements  our  loss  was  twenty  killed  and 
seventy-five  wounded,  four  of  whom  have  since  died.  The  loss 
of  the  enemy  cannot  be  accurately  ascertained  ;  one  hundred  and 
eighty-nine  of  their  warriors  were  found  dead  ;  but  this  must  fall 
considerably  short  of  the  number  really  killed.  Their  wounded 
can  only  be  guessed  at. 

Had  it  not  been  for  the  unfortunate  retreat  of  the  rear  guard  in 
the  affair  of  the  24th  instant,  I  think  I  could  safely  have  said 
that  no  army  of  militia  ever  acted  with  more  cool  and  delibe 
rate  bravery.  Undisciplined  and  inexperienced  as  they  were, 
their  conduct  in  the  several  engagements  of  the  22d  could  not 
have  been  surpassed  by  regulars.  No  men  ever  met  the  approach 
of  an  enemy  with  more  intrepidity,  or  repulsed  them  with  more 
energy.  On  the  24th,  after  the  retreat  of  the  rear  guard,  they 
seemed  to  have  lost  all  collectedness,  and  were  more  difficult  to 
be  restored  to  order  than  any  troops  I  had  ever  seen.  But  this 
was  no  doubt  owing  in  a  great  measure,  or  altogether,  to  that  very 
retreat,  and  ought  rather  to  be  ascribed  to  the  want  of  conduct  in 
many  of  their  officers  than  to  any  cowardice  in  the- men,  who  on 
e\ei  v  occasion  have  manifested  a  willingness  to  perform  their  du 
ty  so  far  as  they  knew  it. 

All  the  effects  which  were  designed  to  be  produced  by  this 
excursion,  it  is  believed  have  been  produced.  If  an  attack  was 


3O& 

meditated  against  fort  Armstrong,  that  has  been  prevented.  If 
general  Floyd  is  operating  on  the  east  side  of  the  Talapoosie,  as» 
I  suppose  him  to  he,  a  most  fortunate  diversion  has  been  made  in- 
his  favour.  The  number  of  the  enemy  has  been  diminished,  and1 
the  confidence  they  may  have  derived  from  the  delays  I  have 
been  made  to  experience,  has  been  destroyed.  Discontent  has 
been  kept  out  of  my  army,  while  the  troops  who  have  been  exposed 
to  it,  have  been  beneficially  employed.  The  enemy's  country 
has  been  explored,  and  a  road  cut  to  the  point  where  they  will 
be  concentrated  when  they  shall  be  driven  from  the  country  below. 
But,  in  a  report  of  this  kind,  and  to  you  who  will  immediately 
perceive  them,  it  is  not  necessary  to  state  the  happy  consequences 
which  may  be  expected  to  result  from  this  excursion.  Unless  I 
am  greatly  mistaken,  it  will  be  found  to  have  hastened  the  termi 
nation  of  the  Creek  war,  more  effectually  than  any  measure  1? 
could  have  taken  with  the  troops  under  my  command. 
I  am,  &c. 

ANDREW  JACKSON, 

Jllaj.  Gen,  Tennessee  Volunteers, 

Major  general  Thomas  Pinckney. 


CHARLESTON,  January  31st,  1814.- 
SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  inform  you  that  yesterday  morning, 
about  4  o'clock,  I  received  information  express  from  Stono,  that 
the  United  States'  schooner  Alligator  had  been  the  evening  before 
chased  in  by  an  enemy's  squadron,  and  attacked  in  the  night  by  a 
detachment  of  boats.  I  immediately  repaired  to  the  place,  and 
ordered  two  barges  round,  and  a  detachment  of  seamen  overland* 
from  the  Nonsuch,  to  her  assistance.  About  8  A.  M.  I  got  on 
board  the  Alligator,  then  some  distance  up  the  river.  I  received 
the  following  information  from  sailing  master  Bassett,  her  com 
mander;  that  he  sailed  on  Saturday  morning  from  the  river  of 
North  Edisto,  for  Charleston.  Soon  after  leaving  the  bar,  disco 
vered  an  enemy's  squadron,  consisting  of  a  frigate,  a  heavy  brig, 
and  a  hermaphrodite,  which  gave  chace  to  him — wind  light  from 
the  south-west ;  he  found  that  the  frigate  would  cut  him  oft\ 
from  Charleston,  arid  in  the  evening  run  into  the  river  and 
hove  to;  the  enemy  then  close  otF  the  bar;  and  from  their 
manouvres  was  of  opinion  they  intended  to  send  in  their  boats. 
He  stood  up  the  river  about  two  miles,  and  anchored,  prepared 
for  action.  About  a  quarter  before  8  P.  M.  the  moon  very  bright, 
discovered  six  of  the  enemy's  boats  shove  off  from  under  the 
marsh  abreast  him,  and  within  pistol  shot  (having  under  cover  of 
the  ;narsh,  with  muffled  oars,  approached  this  near  witheut  disco 
very),  he  immediately  gave  them  a  broadiide,  which  was  returned 

39 


306 

cut  his  cable  and  made  sail,  when  the  action  continued  for  30  min 
utes,  close  on  board  ;  soon  after  making  way,  the  pilot  was  unfortu- 
natel)  mortally  wounded,  and  the  schooner  grounded  ;  at  this  time 
their  £  largest  barges  were  disabled,  and  about  musket  shot  distance 
astern,  when  they  retreated  and  have  not  since  been  seen.  The 
Alligator's  ringing  and  sail  -,  from  the  topsail  yard  down,  are  lite 
rally  cut  to  pieces,  and  but  few  shot  in  her  hull,  two  men  killed  and 
two  wounded,  one  severely,  and  the  pilot  (Mr.  Hatch,  a  very 
respectable  master  of  a  yessel  in  this  port,  having  a  large  family 
defending  entirely  on  his  exertions  for  support)  mortally  wound 
ed.  Great  credit  is  due  to  sailing  master  Bassett,  his  officers  and 
crew,  for  defeating  a  force  so  greatly  superior  in  numbers,  as  there 
could  not  have  been  less  than  140  men  opposed  to  forty.  The 
enemy,  by  the  information  received  from  the  inhabitants  immedi 
ately  "on  the  river,  must  have  suffered  severely,  as  there  was  great 
confusion  on  board  them  while  retreating,  and  the  largest  boat 
appeared  to  be  so  much  injured  as  to  require  the  assistance  of  the 
others.  I  left  the  schooner  last  night  in  Wappoo  Cut,  and  she  will 
be  here»as  soon  as  the  weather  will  permit.  When  I  receive  Mr. 
Bassett's  official  report,  I  shall  do  myself  the  honour  to  forward  it, 
for  your  further  information. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

J.  H.  DENT. 

Hon.  Wm.  Jones,  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 


Extracts  of  letters  from  general  Floyd  to  general  Pinckney. 
CAMP  NEAR  FORT  HALL,  February  2d,  1814. 

"SIR, 

"  I  arrived  with  the  army  at  this  place  yesterday.  I  apprised 
you  in  my  last  of  the  necessity  of  falling  back.  The  arrival  of 
twelve  wagons  in  the  evening,  the  prospect  of  reinforcements,  and 
the  handsome  terms  in  which  you  have  been  pleased  to  approbate 
the  conduct  of  the  army  in  the  late  affair  with  the  enemy,  I  flat 
ter  myself  will  contribute  to  the  accomplishment  of  my  labors  to 
preserve  the  honour  and  reputation  of  the  army.  I  now  enter 
tain  a  gleam  of  hope  that  things  will  end  well.  No  means  on  my 
part  have  or  will  be  neglected  to  effect  so  desirable  an  object. 
Reasoning,  seasoned  with  threats  of  the  consequences,  and  the 
direful  effects  which  followed  the  improper  conduct  of  the  New 
York  militia,  have  been  represented  in  strong  terms ;  nor  have  I 
omitted  to  remind  them  of  their  pledges  to  the  government  to 
brave  dangers,  encounter  toil  and  endure  privation — to  risk  life 
and  fortune  in  support  of  the  common  cause.  You  may  rest  as 
sured  that  I  shall  employ  all  the  means  in  my  power  to  promote 
the  public  interest. 


307 

"  Since  ray  report  of  the  battle  of  the  27th,  I  am  well  assured, 
that  seven  of  the  enemy's  slain  have  been  found  in  one  grave  in 
Canlibee  swamp,  and  live  others  in  an  adjacent  one.  Accept 
my  acknowledgments  for  the  terms  in  which  you  have  been 
pleased  to  approbate  my  conduct — my  endeavours  to  continue  to 
merit  it  will  be  unremitting." 

O 

«  February  3cl,  1814. 

"  I  am  informed  that  the  enemy  are  in  possession  of  our  works 
at  Camp  Defiance,  on  their  way  to  attack  us,  which  in  all  proba 
bility  they  will  attempt  to  night.  We  are  well  prepared,  and 
will  give  a  good  account  of  them,  if  they  attempt  the  execution 
of  their  designs,  I  this  morning  sent  oft'  the  most  of  our  wound 
ed  and  sick." 


HEAD  QUARTERS,  FORT  STROTIIER,  February  17tb,  1814. 
SIR, 

Your  two  letters  of  the  8th  and  14th  instant,  have  been  receiv 
ed,  but  from  the  continued  hurry  of  business  with  which  I  am 
surrounded,  I  have  not  had  time  to  answer  them  until  now. 

The  importance  of  the  service  vou  have  rendered,  and  the 
deep  interest  you  have  taken  in  forwarding  my  views  and  the 
objects  of  the  campaign,  command  my  sincere  thanks.  I  hope 
you  will  continue  to  aid  in  procuring  the  means  and  transporting 
the  supplies  to  this  place  :  the  active  exertions  of  a  patriot  of  six 
ty-jive  years  of  age,  will  certainly  stimulate  the  youthful  soldier 
to  his  duty  ;  such  examples  have  become  necessary ;  I  find  those, 
who  talk  most  of  war  and  make  the  greatest  bustle  about  our  in 
jured  rights  at  home,  are  the  last  to  step  forward  in  vindication  of 
1  those  rights.  Patriotism  is  an  appendage  which  such  men  wear 
as  a  coquette  does  a  fine  ribband,  merely  for  show,  and  to  be  laid 
aside  or  applied  as  necessity  may  require. 
I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

ANDREW  JACKSON, 

Major  general  commanding. 
Colonel  William  Cocke. 


UNITED  STATES  FRIGATE  PRESIDENT, 

SANDY  HOOK  BAY,  February  19th,  1814. 

SIR, 

I  have  to  acquaint  you  that  I  arrived  at  my  present  an* 
chorage  last  evening  at  5  o'clock,  after  a  cruize  of  seventy-five 
days,  and  now  have  the  honour  to  detail  to  you  the  particulars 
In  pursuance  to  your  directions,  I  sailed  from  Providence  the 
5th  December ;  and  although  I  expected  to  have  rim  the  gauntlet 


SOS 

"through  the  enemy's  squadron,  that  was  reported  to  be  cruizing; 
between  Block  Island  and  Gay  head  for  the  purpose  of  intercept 
ing  the  President,  I  had  the  good  luck  to  avoid  them.     The  day 
after  leaving  Providence,  I   re-captured  the  American  schooner 
Comet,  of,  and  bound  to,  New  York,  with  a  cargo  of  cotton  from 
Savannah,  which  had  been  captured  by  the  Ramilies   and  Loire, 
and  in  their  possession  about  48  hours.     In  a  few  hours  after  re 
capturing;   the  Comet,  a   sail  was  discovered   to  the   eastward, 
which  1  felt  inclined  to  avoid,  from  the  circumstance  of  the  wea 
ther  being  hazy,  and  knowing  that  I  was  in  the  neighbourhood  of 
an  enemy's  squadron.     From  an   advantage    of  wind,  she    was 
enabled,  however  to  gain  our  lee  beam  at  a  distance  of  three  or 
four  miles,  owing  to  which  I  was  induced  to  shorten  sail,  with 
the  intention  of  offering  her  battle  in  the  morning,  should  nothing1 
else  be  in  sight,  and  she  not  be  a  ship  of  the  line.     The  weather 
becoming  more  obscure  at  2  o'clock,  prevented  our  seeing  her  un 
til  day-light,  when  she  stood  from  us  to  the  north  east,  although 
the  President  was  hove  to,  to  let  her  come  up.     From  this  date 
until  the  25th,  we  did  not  see  a  single  sail,  except  the  Recovery 
(a  brig  belonging  and  bound  toPenobscot,  from  fet.Bartholomew,  hi 
ballast)  until  after  reaching  the  longitude  of  35,  and  latitute  19, 
being  carried  that  far  eastward  by  a  severe  S.  W.  gale,  accompanied 
by  such  a  heavy  sea,  as  to  render  heaving;  to  impracticable  without 
infinite  risk,  when  two  large  sail  were  discovered  standing  to  the 
northward,  and  to  which  I  gave  chase,  believing,  as  well  from  th6 
situation  in  which  they  were  first  discovered,  as  the  manifest  dis 
position  they  afterwards  showed  to  avoid  a  separation,  that  one 
was  a  frigate   and  the  other  an  Indiaman  under  her  convoy  ;  in 
this    I  was  mistaken,  for  on  a  nearer  approach  I  could   discover 
the  headmost  was  a  frigate  with  seven   ports  abaft  her  gangway, 
and  the  other  a  ship  of  equal  or  little  inferior  force.     On  discov 
ering  their  decided  superiority,  and  supposing  them  to  be  enemy's 
ships,  I  endeavored,  duringthe  succeeding  night,  to  separate  them 
by   steering  different  courses,  and  occasionally  shewing  a  light, 
but  was  unable  to  succeed,  for  the  headmost  was  at  one  time  so 
near  that  she  fired  a  shot  over  us,  whilst  her  consort  was  but  a 
few  hundred  yards  astern  of  her.     I  now  directed  our  course  to 
be  altered,  made  sail,  and  continued  the  remainder  of  the  night 
to  shew  them  light  occasionally,  but  to  no  effect,  as  at  day-light 
they   were  discovered  to  be  in    a  situation  to  unite   their  force. 
After  this  I  shaped  a   course  to  reach  a  position  to  windward  of 
Barbadoes,  on  a  parallel  of  longitude  with  Cayenne,  and  did  not 
meet   another  vessel  till  the   30th,  when  falling  in  with  a  Portu 
guese  brig,  and  receiving  information  that  she  had  been  boarded 
36  hours  before  by  two  British  store  ships,  bound  to  the  West  In 
dies  with  300  troops  on  board,  I  crowded  sail  to  the  westward  in 
the  hope  of  overtaking  them  ;  in  this  I  was   again  disappointed^ 
and  after  a  pursuit  of  four  days,  hauled  further  southward  to  gain 
the   latitude  of  Barbadoes ;  and  in  that  situation,  on  the  5th  oi 


303 

January  captured  the  British  merchant  ship  Wanderer,  of  7  gunt 
and  16  men,  from  London  bound  to  Jamaica,  partly  loaded  with 
plantation  stores,  and  after  taking  from  her  such  light  articles  as 
were  of  most  value,  sunk  her.  In  the  same  position,  on  t!  e  7th, 
I  fell  in  with  the  British  merchant  ship  Prince  George,  in 
the  character  of  a  cartel  with  prisoners,  which,  with  4  other 
British  vessels,  had  been  captured  by  two  French  44  gun  frigates,  the 
Medusa  and  Nymph,  the  same  ships  I  had  fallen  in  with  14  days 
before.  On  board  of  the  Prince  George  I  sent  the  prisoners  cap 
tured  in  the  Wanderer  to  Barbadoes,  on  parole.  On  the  9th  of 
January,  while  still  to  windward  of  Barbadoes,  I  captured  the 
•chip Edward,  of  6  guns  and  8  men,  from  London  bound  to  Laguira, 
in  ballast — which  vessel  I  also  sunk.  Having  learned  from  the 
master  of  the  Edward  as  well  as  the  Wanderer  and  Prince  George, 
that  they  had  been  separated  in  the  Bay  of  Biscay  from  their  con 
voy,  consisting  of  the  Queen  74,  two  frigates,  and  two  sloops  of 
war,  I  was  induced,  owing  to  a  belief  that  the  convoy  was  still  to  the 
eastward,  to  remain  to  windward  of  Barbadoes  until  the  16th 
January,  when  finding  they  must  have  passed,  I  changed  my 

f round  and  ran  off  Cayenne,  and  from  thence  down  the  coast  of 
urinam,  Berbice  and  Demarara,  though  between  Tobago  and 
Grenada,  thence  through  the  Caribbean  sea,  along  the  southeast 
side  of  Porto  Rico,  through  the  Mona  passage,  down  the  north 
side  of  Jamaica,  and  other  leeward  islands,  without  meeting  a 
single  vessel  of  the  enemy,  or  any  other  than  four  Spanish  drog- 
gers  and  one  Swedish  ship,  until  I  got  near  the  Manilla  reef; 
near  which,  after  capturing  and  sinking  the  British  schooner 
Jonathan,  loaded  with  rum  and  dry  goods  (the  most  valuable  part 
of  which  I  took  on  board)  I  hauled  over  for  the  Florida  shore  and 
struck  soundings  off  St.  Augustine,  and  from  thence  run  on  sound 
ings  as  far  as  Charleston,  passing  within  4  or  5  miles  of  Colum 
bia  island,  and  as  near  to  Savannah  as  the  weather  and  depth  of 
water  would  allow,  without  meeting  a  single  vessel  except  a 
Spanish  ship  from  the  Havanna  bound  to  Spain,  but  steering  for 
Savannah  in  consequence  of  having  sprung  a  leak. 

Arriving  off  Charleston,  (which  was  on  the  llth  instant,)  I 
stretched  close  in  with  the  Bar,  and  made  the  private  signal  of 
the  day  to  two  schooners* lying  in  Rebellion  Roads,  and  which, 
from  their  appearance,  I  believed  to  be  public  vessels.  After  re 
maining  all  day  off  the  Bar,  with  colours  hoisted,  and  the  before- 
mentioned  signal  displayed,  without  being  able  to  communicate 
with  the  schooners,  I  stood  to  the  northward,  and  at  seven  o'clock 
the  next  morning,  discovered  and  chased  a  ship  to  the  southward, 
which,  after  pursuing  eight  or  nine  miles,  led  me  to  a  second  sail, 
(a  brig  under  her  topsails,  with  her  top-gallant  masts  housed,  and 
her  flying  gib -boom  rigged  in),  and  from  thence  to  the  discovery 
of  a  third  sail,  represented  from  the  mast-head  to  be  a  large  fri 
gate  ;  on  discovering  the  third  sail,  added  to  the  manouvrcs  of  the 
first  and  second,  I  was  induced  to  believe  them  part  of  an  efte- 


my's  squadron,  and  accordingly  hauled  up  and  stood  for  the  former, 
to  j'scertni:-  her  character;  and  after  making  her  from  the  deck, 
perceived  she  was  a  frigate  as  reported.  1  now  shortened  sail, 
believing  that  towards  night  I  might  be  able  to  cut  off  the  ship, 
(which  was  either  a  small  frigate  or  large  sloop  of  war,)  and  brig, 
from  the  third  or  largest  sail,  at  this  time  nine  or  ten  miles  to 
windward  ;  in  this,  however,  I  was  not  able  to  effect  my  purpose, 
owing  to  the  weather-sail  (between  sun-set  arid  dark)  bearing  down 
for  the  others.  Judging  now  from  their  manouvres,  that  after 
dark  they  would  chase,  I  stood  to  the  eastward,  under  short  sail; 
believing  that  in  the  morning  I  might  find  them  in  some  disorder; 
at  day-light,  however,  owing  to  the  haziness  of  the  weather,  they 
were  not  to  be  seen  ;  consequently,  I  wore  and  stood  back  to  the 
westward  to  make  them  again,  and  in  a  few  minutes  discovered 
two,  one  on  the  lee,  the  other  on  the  weather  bow,  to  which  1  gave 
ch.ace,  but  after  chasing  them  about  half  an  hour,  the  weather  be 
coming  more  clear,  ami  two  large  ships  suddenly  making  their 
appearance,  one  on  the  weather  and  the  other  on  the  lee  beam,  I 
changed  my  course  to  the  eastward,  when  the  four  immediately 
crowded  sail  in  pursuit ;  but  owing  to  the  weather,  assisted  by 
the  enemy's  mariner  of  chasing,  I  was  enabled  to  get  clear  of  them 
without  difficulty  in  a  few  hours.  From  this  I  pursued  a  course 
on  soundings  (except  in  doubling  Cape  Hatteras)  to  eighteen  fa- 
tlxom  water  off  the  Delaware,  where,  in  a  fog,  1  tell  in  with  a  large 
vessel  apparently  a  man  of  war.  Shortened  sail  to  topsails  and 
cleared  ship  for  action,  but  she  suddenly  disappearing,  and  in  a 
few  minutes  she,  or  some  other  vessel  near,  being  heard  to  fire 
signal  guns,  I  stood  on  to  the  northward,  from  a  belief  I  was  near 
another  squadron.  From  the  Delaware  I  saw  nothing  until  I 
made  Sandy  Hook,  when  I  again  fell  in  with  another  of  the  enemy's 
squadrons,  and  by  some  unaccountable  cause  was  permitted  to 
enter  the  bay,  although  in  the  presence  of  a  decidedly  superior 
force,  after  having  been  obliged  to  remain  outside  seven  hours 
and  a  half  waiting  for  ttie  tide. 

I  am,  &c. 

JOHN  RODGERS. 
Hon.  Wm.  Jones,  Secretary  of  the  Xavy. 


BRITISH  VERACITY. 

Surgeon  Amos  Jl.  Evans  to  the  Public. 

<_5 

BOSTON,  March,  1814. 

Having  lately  seen  in  the  British  Naval  Chronicle,  for  Mar 
last,  a  publication  signed  Thomas  Cook  Jones,  surgeon  of  his  Bri 
tannic  majesty's  late  ship  Java;  in  which  accusations  of  ill  treat 
ment  towards  the  British  wounded  prisoners,  whilst  onboard  the 
United  States'  frigate  Constitution,  under  the  command  of  com- 


su 

•mod ore  Bainbridge,  are  brought  forward  ;  I  conceive  it  my  duty, 
lest  silence  should  be  construed  into  an  acknowledgement  of  its 
correctness,  to  expose  some  of  the  falsehoods  compos  ing  that  state- 
ment.  After  introducing  himself  with  considerable  egotis^,  and 
much  parade  of  professional  skill,  he  makes  the  following  observa 
tions  : 

"Their  (the  British  wounded)  removal  to  the  Constitution,  the 
deprivations  they  there  experienced  as  to  food,  and  the  repeated 
disturbances  they  suffered  by  being  carried  below,  and  kept  there 
for  several  hours,  three  different  times,  on  the  report  of  an  erie.;iy 
heaving  in  sight :  when  these,  I  say,  are  considered,  and  the  results 
contrasted  with  those  of  the  American  wounded,  four  of  whom 
who  lost  their  limbs  died  when  I  was  on  board,  were  laid  in  cots, 
placed  in  the  most  healthy  parts  of  the  ship,  provided  with  e\ery 
little  luxury  from  competent  and  attentive  nurses,  and  not  allow 
ed  to  be  removed,  when  ours  were  thrust  into  the  hold  with  the 
other  prisoners,  the  hatches  at  once  shutting  out  light  and  tV'.'s/i 
air,  and  this  too  in  the  latitude  of  St.  Salvador,  the  recovery  of  our 
seamen  appears  as  miraculous  as  it  proved  happy  ;  ;ufd  truly 
evinced  both  resignation  and  courage  in  patiently  submitting, 
without  a  complaint,  to  the  cruelties  of  their  situation,  and  firmly 
contending  with  every  obstacle  which  chance  or  oppression  could 
present  or  inflict.  The  Americans  seemed  very  desirous  not  to 
allow  any  of  our  officers  to  witness  the  nature  of  their  wounded,  or 
compute  their  numbers.  I  ordered  one  of  my  assistants,  Mr. 
Caponi,  to  attend,  when  their  assistant  went  round,  and  he 
enumerated  forty-six  who  were  unable  to  stir  from  their  cots, 
independent  of  those  who  had  received  what  they  called  "  slight 
hurts.1"  Commodore  Bainbridge  was  severely  wounded  in  the 
right  thigh,  and  four  of  their  amputations  perished  under  my 
inspection. 

"  I  have  noticed  these  facts,  that  your  readers  maybe  convinc 
ed  of  the  falsity  of  their  official  despatches,  and  to  authorize  their 
being  received  with  some  degree  of  scepticism. 

"  1  sent  my  assistant,  with  most  of  the  wounded  men,  in  the 
evening,  and  remained  myself  in  the  Java,  till  witiiin  a  few  mi 
nutes  of  her  being  set  on  fire:  one  poor  fellow  only  remained, 
who  had  received  a  musket  ball,  which  entered  the  right  orbic  and 
remained  imbedded  in  the  brain  :  he  was  in  ariicalo  mortis,  and  I 
begged  the  American  lieutenant  to  let  me  stay  with  him  undis- 
turoed  for  a  few  minutes,  as  I  expected  his  immediate  dissolu 
tion. 

"This  Yankee  son  of  humanity  proposed  assisting  him  into 
.eternity;  I  instantly  dragged  him  into  the  boat,  and  he  expired 
along  side  the  Constitution," 

It  is  not  true  that  there  was  any  distinction  made  between  the 
British  and  American  wounded:  they  v/tM-e  slung  promiscuous! v 
together  on  the  gun  deck,  and  every  th;:i;~  which  humanity  could 
dictate  that  the  ship  afforded,  was  provided  for  their  co^fUt  aiul 


-312 

awrvenienee.  This  ship  was  cleared  for  action  but  once  during  the 
time  they  were  on  board  ;  that  was  when  the  Hornet  hove  in  sight, 
and  as  soon  as  her  character  could  be  ascertained,  all  the  wound 
ed,  British  and  American,  were  brought  on  the  gun  deck  together. 
Captain  Lambert  and  Mr  Waldo,  were  the  only  two  persons  not 
removed  to  the  BIRTH  DECK  on  this  occasion ;  the  former  was 
left  to  the  last  moment,  from  principles  of  delicacy  us  well  as 
humanity.  Every  exertion  was  made  to  land  the  prisoners  at  St. 
Salvador  as  soon  as  possible,  that  they  might  be  "  provided  witli 
every  little  luxury  from  competent  and  attentive  nurses,"  that 
our  men  of  course  could  not  receive  on  board. 

It  is  equally  false  that  we  had  forty-six  men  wounded.  "  Slight 
hurts,"  and  all  others  included,  there  were  twenty-jive  only.  Why 
request  his  assistant  to  attend  for  the  porpose  of  counting  them, 
when  doctor  Jones  himself,  or  any  other  officer  on  board,  could 
have  enumerated  them,  if  he  chose,  an  hundred  times  a  day  ?  The 
doctor  says  four  of  our  amputations  perished  under  his  own  in 
spection.  We  had  but  five  amputations  altogether  ;  four  of  them 
are  now  receiving  pensions  from  their  country,  and  may  be  seen 
almost  any  day  about  the  Navy  Yard  at  Charlestown ;  and  the  fifth 
died  of  a  malignant  fever,  north  of  the  equator  one  month  after  the 
action.  It  is  a  fact,  susceptible  of  the  clearest  and  most  positive 
proof,  that  not  one  of  our  men  died  during  the  time  the  doctor 
was  on  board  the  Constitution,  nor  until  some  time  after  we  left 
St  Salvador. 

"  This  Yankee  son  of  humanity  proposed  assisting  him  into 
eternity,"  &c.  No  man  who  knows  lieutenant  Hoffman,  will 
hesitate  to  pronounce  doctor  Jones  an  infamous  calumniator.  He 
(lieutenant  Hoffman)  is  as  remarkable  for  goodness  of  heart,  for 
humane  and  tender  feelings,  for  gentlemanly  and  correct  conduct, 
as  doctor  Jones  now  is  for  his  capacity  to  assert  base  and  unqua 
lified  falsehoods.  Lieutenant  (then  midshipman)  German,  who 
was  present  when  this  man  was  removed  from  the  Java,  and 
whose  word  no  one  will  question,  asserts  that  no  such  observation 
was  made ;  on  the  contrary,  that  he,  (Mr.  G.)  by  the  orders  of 
lieutenant  Hoffman,  repeatedly  solicited  doctor  Jones  to  visit  the 
man  then  spoken  of,  and  endeavor,  if  possible,  to  relieve, 
him  ;  but  that  he  neglected  even  to  see  him,  until  they  were  ready 
to  leave  the  ship,  when  he  was  removed  into  the  boat  at  the  doc 
tor's  request.  If  the  doctor's  charge  had  been  founded  in  truth, 
would  he  not  have  reported  lieutenant  Hoffman  immediately  on 
his  arrival  at  the  Constitution?  The  ward  room  officers  of  the 
Constitution  will  recollect  to  have  heard  doctor  Jones  frequently 
spoken  of  during  the  cruize  as  an  inhuman  monster  for  his  con^- 
duct  to  this  same  unfortunate  sailor. 

I  leave  the  punishment  due  his  presumption  for  calling  in  ques 
tion  "official  despatches"  (after  having  fabricated  himself  such  a 
tissue  of  assertions,  without  even  a  coloring  of  truth)  to  the  first 


31 3 

officer  of  the  Constitution,  who  may  have  the  good  fortune  of  an 
opportunity  of  taking  him  by  the  nose. 

When  the  officers  of  the  Java  left  the  Constitution  at  St.  Salva 
dor,  they  expressed  the  warmest  gratitude  for  the  humane  and 
generous  treatment  they  had  experienced  ;  nor  was  this  contemp 
tible  hypocrite  sparing  of  his  acknowledgments  on  that  occasion. 
After  having  suffered  every  thing  from  the  officers  of  the  Consti 
tution  "  oppression  could  inflict"  why  come  forward  and  offer 
thanks  for  kind  and  handsome  treatment  ?  £See  letters  of  general 
Hislop  and  others.] 

To  complete  the  climax  of  false  assertions  relative  to  that  ac 
count,  one  of  the  lieutenants  of  the  Java,  in  a  letter  to  the  editor 
of  the  Naval  Chronicle  for  June,  asserts,  that  I  am  "  an  Irishman 
by  birth,  and  was  lately  an  assistant  surgeon  in  the  British  JVatv//" 
The  truth  is,  I  was  born  in  the  state  of  Maryland,  and  had  never 
been  on  the  ocean,  except  in  the  service  of  my  country.  I  pledge 
myself  to  substantiate,  by  the  most  respectable  testimony,  should 
it  be  necessary,  every  thing  that  I  have*  hei-c  siated. 

I  challenge  the  British  to  give  a  solitary  instance,  where  they 
have  given  a  faithful  and  candid  relation  of  the  result  of  their 
actions  with  us,  since  the  declaration  of  the  present  war.  They 
have,  of  late,  established  for  themselves,  a  kind  of  national  cha 
racter,  that,  I  trust,  none  will  envy  them  the  possession  of;  they 
have  proved  that  although  they  may  not  always  be  able  to  conquer 
in  battle,  they  can  prevaricate,  defame  or  mistake  with  as  much 
ease  as  any  nation  on  earth. 

AMOS  A.  EVANS, 
Surgeon  of  the  United  States  frigate  Constitutiont 


DETROIT,  March  7th,  1814. 

SI&, 

By  lieutenant  Shannon,  of  the  27th  regiment  of  the  United  States' 
infantry,  [  have  the  honour  of  informing  you,  that  a  detachment 
of  the  troops  under  my  command,  led  by  captain  Holmes  of  the 
24th  regiment  of  United  States  infantry,  have  obtained  a  signal 
victory  over  the  enemy. 

The  affair  took  place  on  the  4th  instant,  about  100  miles  from 
this  place,  on  the  river  de  French.  Our  force,  consisted  of  no 
more  than  160  rangers  and  mounted  infantry.  The  enemy, 
from  their  own  acknowledgment,  had  about  240.  The  fine  light 
company  of  Royal  Scots,  is  totally  destroyed ;  they  led  the  at 
tack  most  gallantly,  and  their  commander  fell  within  ten  paces  of 
our  front  line.  The  light  company  of  the  89th  has  also  suffered 
severely,  one  officer  of  that  company  fell,  one  is  a  prisoner,  and 
another  is  said  to  be  badly  wounded.  In  killed,  wounded,  and  prij 
soners,  the  enemy  lost  about  80,  whilst  on  our  part  there 
40 


but  four  killed  and  four  wounded.  This  great  disparity  in  the  loss 
on  each  side,  is  to  be  attributed  to  the  very  judicious  position  oc 
cupied  by  captain  Holmes,  who  compelled  the  enemy  to  attack  him 
at  great  disadvantage;  this,  even  more  than  his  gallantry,  merits 

thCaptein  Holmes  has  just  returned,  and  will  furnish  a  detailed 
account  of  the  expedition,  which  shall  immediately  be  transmitted 


to  you. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  ftcc. 

H.  BUTLER, 

Lieutenant  colonel  commanding  at  Detroit. 
Major  general  Harrison. 

Enemy's  forces  as  stated  by  the  prisoners  : 
Royal  Scots,  101:  89th   Regiment,  45  ;  Militia,  50;  Indians, 
40  to  60  —  total,  236. 

P.  S.  We  took  100  head  of  cattle  also  from  the   enemy,  in 
tended  for  Long  Point  or  Burlington. 


FORT  COVINGTON,  March  10th,  1814. 

SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  submit  in  writing,  that  the  expedition  sent 
tinder  my  command  against  the  enemy's  posts,  by  your  special 
orders  of'the  21st  ultimo,  had  the  good  fortune,  on  the  4th  in 
stant,  to  meet  and  subdue  a  force,  double  its  own,  fresh  from  the 
barracks,  and  led  by  a  distinguished  officer. 

I  had  been  compelled  to  leave  the  artillery  by  the  invincible 
difficulties  of  the  route  from  Point  au  Plait  to  the  Round  O.  No 
wheel  carriage  of  any  kind  had  ever  attempted  it  before,  and  none 
will  ever  pass  it  until  the  brush  and  fallen  timber  are  cut  away, 
and  the  swamp  cause-wayed  or  drained.  After  joining  captain 
Gill,  I  began  the  march  for  Fort  Talbot,  but  was  soon  convinced 
of  its  being  impossible  to  reach  the  post,  in  time  to  secure  any 
force  which  might  be  there  or  adjacent.  This  conviction,  united 
with  the  information,  that  the  enemy  had  a  force  at  Delaware, 
upon  the  Thames,  that  I  should  be  expected  at  Fort  Talbot,  and 
consequently,  that  a  previous  descent  upon  Delaware  might  de 
ceive  the  foe,  and  lead  him  to  expose  me  some  point,  in  defending 
others  he  might  think  menaced,  and  coupled  with  the  possibility 
that  hearing  of  captain  Gill's  march  to  the  Round  0,  by  M'Gre- 
gor's  militia,  whom  he  had  pursued,  a  detachment  had  descended 
the  Thames  to  intercept  him,  determined  to  exercise  the  discre 
tion  allowed  by  the  order,  and  to  strike  at  once  upon  the  river. 

On  the  3d  instant,  when  only  fifteen  miles  from  Delaware,  we 
received  information  that  the  enemy  had  left  Delaware  with  the 
intention  of  descending  the  river,  and  that  \VQ  should  probably 


315 

meet  him  in  one  hour ;  that  his  force  consisted  of  a  light  company 
fro'ii  the  Royal  Scots,  mustering  for  duty  120  men  ;  a  light  com 
pany  of  th?  89th  regiment  of  foot  (efficiency  not  known,)  Cald- 
well's  Indians  and  M'Gregor's  militia,  amounting  in  all  to  about 
300  men.  My  command  originally  had  not  exceeded  180  rank 
and  file.  Hunger,  cold  and  fatigue",  had  brought  on  disease,  and 
though  none  died,  all  were  exceedingly  depressed,  and  sixteen 
had  been  ordered  home,  as  unable  to  continue  the  march.  I*  re 
solved  therefore  to  avoid  the  conflict  on  equal  grounds,  and  imme 
diately  retreated  five  miles,  for  the  sake  of  a  good  position  on  the 
western  bank  of  the  Twenty  Mile  Creek,  leaving  captain  Gill 
with  twenty  rangers  to  cover  the  rear,  and  to  watch  the  enemy's 
motions.  We  had  encamped  but  a  few  minutes,  when  captain 
Gill  joined,  after  exchanging  shots  with  the  enemy's  advance,  in 
vainly  attempting  to  reconnoitre  his  force.  The  Twenty  Mile 
Creek  runs  from  north  to  south,  through  a  deep  and  wide  ravine, 
and  of  course  is  flanked  east  and  west  by  lofty  heights.  My  camp 
was  formed  upon  the  western  heights.  The  enemy's  on  the  oppo 
site.  During  the  night  of  the  3d  all  was  quiet.  At  sun-rise  on 
the  4th,  the  enemy  appeared  thinly  upon  the  opposite  heights, 
fired  upon  us  without  effect,  and  vanished.  After  waiting  some 
time  for  their  re-appearance,  lieutenant  Knox  of  the  rangers  was 
sent  to  reconnoitre.  On  his  return  he  reported  that  the  enemy 
had  retreated  with  the  utmost  precipitation,  leaving  his  baggage 
scattered  upon  the  road,  and  that  his  trail  and  fires  made  him  out 
not  more  than  seventy  men.  Mortified  at  the  supposition  of  hav 
ing  retrograded  from  this  diminutive  force,  I  instantly  commenc 
ed  the  pursuit,  with  the  design  of  attacking  Delaware  before  the 
opening  of  another  day.  We  had  not,  however,  proceeded  beyond 
five  miles,  when  captain  Lee,  commanding  the  advance,  discover 
ed  the  enemy  in  considerable  force,  arranging  himself  for  battle. 
The  symptoms  of  fear  and  flight  were  now  easily  traced  to  the 
purpose  of  seducing  me  from  the  heights,  and  so  far  the  plan  suc 
ceeded.  But  the  enemy  failed  to  improve  the  advantage.  If  he 
had  thrown  his  chief  force  across  the  ravine  above  the  road,  and 
occupied  our  camp  when  relinquished,  thus  obstructing  my  com 
munication  to  the  rear,  I  should  have  been  driven  upon  Delaware 
against  a  superior  force,  since  found  to  be  stationed  there,  or 
forced  to  take  the  wilderness  for  Fort  Talbot,  without  forage  or 
provisions.  Heaven  averted  this  calamity.  We  soon  regained 
the  position  at  Twenty  Mile  Creek,  and  though  the  rangers  were 
greatly  disheartened  by  the  retreat,  and  to  a  man  insisted  upon 
not  fighting  the  enemy,  v/e  decided  to  exhibit  on  that  spot,  the 
scene  of  death  or  victory.  I  was  induced  to  adopt  the  order  of 
the  hollow  square  to  prevent  the  necessity  of  evolution,  which 
I  knew  all  the  troops  are  incompetent  to  perform  in  action.  The 
detachments  of  the  24th  and  28th  infantry  occupied  the  brow  of 
the  heights.  The  detachment  from  the  garrison  of  Detroit,  formed 
the  north  front  of  the  square,  the  rangers  the  west,  and  the  militia 


316 

the  south.  Our  horses  and  baggage  stood  in  the  centre  ;  the  ene 
my  threw  his  militia  and  Indians  across  the  ravine  above  the  road, 
and  commenced  the  action  with  savage  yells,  and  bugles  sounding 
from  the  north,  west  and  south.  His  regulars  at  the  same  time 
charged  don  n  the  road  from  the  opposite  heights,  crossed  the 
bridge  and  charged  up  the  heights  we  occupied,  within  twenty 
steps  of  the  American  line,  and  against  the  most  destructive  tire. 
Bui  his  front  section  was  soon  shot  to  pieces.  Those  who  followed 
were  much  th-ned  and  wounded.  His  officers  were  soon  cut  down, 
aiic'  his  anfa£onists  continued  to  evince  a  degree  of  animation, 
that  bespoke  at  once  their  boldness  and  security.  He  therefore 
abandoned  the  charge,  and  took  cover  in  the  woods  at  diffused 
order,  between  fifteen,  twenty,  and  thirty  paces  of  our  line,  and 
placed  all  hopes  upon  his  ammunition. 

Our  regulars  being  uncovered,  were  ordered  to  kneel,  that  the 
brow  of  the  heights  might  partly  screen  them  from  the  enemy's 
vi<  .  The  firing  increased  on  both  sides  with  great  vivacity;  but 
tl  r  sis  was  over.  I  knew  the  enemy  dare  not  uncover,  and  of 
course  that  no  second  charge  would  be  attempted.  On  the  north, 
we-t  and  south  front,  the  firing  had  been  sustained  with  much 
coolness,  and  with  considerable  loss  to  the  foe.  Our  troops  on 
those  fi  <mts  being  protected  by  logs  hastily  thrown  together,  and 
the  enemy  not  charging,  both  the  rifle  and  the  musket  were  aim 
ed  at  leisure,  perhaps  always  told.  The  enemy  at  last  became 
persuaded,  that  providence  had  sealed  the  fortune  of  the  day. 
His  cover  on  the  east  front  was  insufficient ;  for  as  he  had  charged 
in  column  of  sections,  and  therefore,  when  dispersing  on  either 
side  of  the  road,  was  unable  to  extend  his  flanks,  and  as  our  re 
gulars  presented  an  extended  front  from  the  beginning,  it  is  evi 
dent  that  a  common  sized  tree  could  not  protect  even  one  man, 
much  less  the  squads  that  often  stood  and  breathed  their  last  to 
gether  ;  and  yet  upon  his  regulars  the  enemy  relied  for  victory. 
In  concert,  therefore,  and  favoured  by  the  shades  of  twilight,  he 
commenced  a  general  retreat,  after  one  hour's  close  and  gallant 
conflict. 

I  did  not  pursue  for  the  following  reasons.  First,  we  had  tri 
umphed  against  numbers  and  discipline,  and  were  therefore  under 
no  obligation  of  honour  to  incur  additional  hazard.  Second,  in 
these  requisites  (numbers  and  discipline)  the  enemy  were  still 
superior,  and  the  night  would  have  ensured  success  "to  an  ambus 
cade.  Third,  the  enemy's  bugle  sounded  the  close  upon  the  op 
posite  heights.  If  then  we  had  pursued,  we  must  have  passed 
over  to  him,  as  he  did  to  us,  because  the  creek  could  be  passed  on 
horseback  at  no  other  point,  and  the  troops  being  fatigued  and 
frost-bitten,  and  their  shoes  cut  to  pieces  by  the  frozen  ground,  it 
was  not  possible  to  pursue  on  foot.  It  follows  that  the  attempt  to 
pursue  would  have  given  the  enemy  the  same  advantage  that  pro 
duced  the  defeat 


517 

Our  loss  in  killed  and  wounded,  amounted  to  a  non-commission 
ed  officer  and  six  privates,  but  the  blood  of  between  80  and  90 
brave  Englishmen,  and  among  them  four  officers,  avenged  their 
fall.  The  commander,  captain  Bardeu  of  the  89th,  is  supposed 
to  have  been  killed  at  an  early  stas;e  of  the  contest.  The  whole 
American  force  in  action,  consisted  of  150  rank  and  file,  of  whom 
70  were  militia,  including  rangers.  The  enemy's  regulars  nl-.me, 
were  from  150  to  180  strong,  and  his  militia  and  Indians  fought 
upon  three  fronts  of  our  square. 

I  am  much  indebted  to  all  my  regular  officers,  and  trust  their 
names  will  be  mentioned  to  the  army  and  to  the  War  Depart;?  c:>t. 
Without  intending  a  discrimination,  it  must  be  acknowledged, 
that  the  exertions  of  lieutenants  Kouns  and  Henry  of  the  1'th, 
and  Jackson  and  Potter  of  the  24th,  were  most  conspicuous,  be 
cause  fortune  had  opposed  them  to  the  main  strength  of  fhe  foe. 
Captain  Lee  of  the  Michigan  dragoons,  was  of  great  assistance  be 
fore  the  action,  at  the  head  of  the  advance  and  spies,  and  my 
warmest  thanks  are  due  to  acting  sailing  master  Darling,  01  the 
United  States'  schooner  Somers,  who  had  volunteered  to  command 


mitted  their  hopes  to  sink  beneatli  the  pressure  of  the  moirent. 

The  enemy's  wounded  and  prisoners  were  treated  with  the  ut 
most  humanity.  Though  some  of  our  men  were  marching  in  thin 
stocking  feet,  they  were  not  permitted  to  take  a  shoe  even  from 
the  dead. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

A.  H.  HOLMES,  Capt.24th  Injt. 
Lieutenant  colonel  Butler. 


UNITED  STATES'  SHIP  UNITED  STATES,  NF.W  LONDON, 

March  18f»,  1314. 

SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  forward  to  you  enclosed,  a  despatch  re 
ceived  by  me  from  captain  Capel,  the  commanding  officer  of  the 
British  squadron  before  this  port,  written  in  reply  to  an  applica 
tion  of  mine,  for  the  release  of  an  American  seaman,  detained 
against  his  will  on  board  the  frigate  Statira. 

Hiram  Thayer,  born  in  the  town  of  Greenwich,  in  the  county  of 
Hampshire,  and  commonwealth  of  Massachusetts,  was  impress 
ed  into  the  naval  service  of  Great  Britain,  in  the  month  of  August, 
1803,  and  detained  ever  since.  About  six  years  ago,  when  the 
Statira  was  put  in  commission,  he  was  transferred  to  her,  and  has 
been  constantly  on  board  her  to  this  day.  I  am  informed,  and  in 
fact  it  was  stated  by  captain  Stackpole  to  lieutenant  Hamilton, 
who  was  charged  with  the  flag,  that  the  late  general  Lyman,  our 


31$ 

consul  at  Londoi,  made  application  to  the  Lords  Commissioners 
for  the  discharge  of  Thayer,  but  they  were  not  satisfied  with  th« 
evidence  of  his  nativity. 

John  Thayer,  the  father  of  Hiram,  assures  me,  that  the  certi 
ficate  of  the  select-men,  the  town  clerk,  and  the  minister  of 
Greenwich,  were  forwarded  some  time  ago  to  Mr.  Mitchel,  the 
resident  agent  for  American  prisoners  of  war  at  Halifax,  but  does 
not  know  the  reason  why  he  was  not  released  then.  The  son  has 
written  to  his  father,  and  informed  him  that  on  his  representing 
to  captain  Stackpole,  that  he  was  an  American  citizen,  and  would 
not  fight  against  nis  country,  that  captain  Stackpole  told  him  "  if 
they  fell  in  with  an  American  man  of  war,  and  he  did  not  do  his 
duty,  he  should  be  tied  to  the  mast  and  shot  like  a  dog." 

On  Monday  the  14th  instant,  John  Thayer  requested  me  to 
allow  him  a  flag  to  go  off  to  the  enemy  and  ask  for  the  release  of 
his  son.  This  i  granted  at  once,  and  addressed  a  note  to  captain 
Capel,  stating  that  I  felt  pursuaded  that  the  application  of  the 
father,  furnished  as  he  was  with  conclusive  evidence  of  the  nativi 
ty  and  the  identity  of  his  son,  would  induce  an  immediate  order 
for  his  discharge.  The  reply  is  enclosed.  The  son  descried  his 
father  at  a  distance  in  the  boat,  and  told  the  first  lieutenant  of 
the  Statira  that  it  uas  his  father,  and  I  understand  that  the  feel 
ings  manifested  by  the  old  man  on  receiving  the  hand  of  his  son, 
proved,  beyond  all  other  evidence,  the  property  he  had  in  him. 
There  was  no  doubt  left  on  the  mind  of  a  single  British  officer  of 
Hiram  Thayer's  being  an  American  citizen ;  and  yet  he  is  de 
tained,  not  as  a  prisoner  of  war,  but  compelled,  under  the  most 
cruel  threats,  to  serve  the  enemies  of  his  country. 

Thayer  has  so  recommended  himself  by  his  sobriety,  industry 
and  seamanship,  as  to  be  appointed  a  boatswain's  mate,  and  is  now 
serving  in  that  capacity  in  the  Statira :  and  he  says  there  is  due 
to  him  from  the  British  government  about  two  hundred  and  fifty 
pounds  sterling.  He  has  also  assured  his  father,  that  he  has  al 
ways  refused  to  receive  any  bounty  or  advance,  lest  it  might 
afford  some  pretext  for  denying  him  his  discharge  whenever  a  pro 
per  application  should  be  made  for  it. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

STEPHEN  DECATUR. 
Honourable  W.  Jones,  Secretary  of  the  Navy, 


SIXTH  AND  SEVENTH  DISTRICTS,  FORT  HAWKINS, 

April  2d,  1814. 
SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  of  enclosing  to  your  excellency  the  offi 
cial  account  of  a  decisive  victory  over  the  hostile  Creek  Indians, 
Achieved  by  the  military  talents  and  enterprize  of  general  Jack 
son,  supported  by  the  distinguished  valor  and  good  conduct  of 


319 

the  gallant  troops  under  his  command.  While  the  sigh  of  human 
ity  will  escape  for  this  profuse  effusion  of  human  blood,  which 
results  from  the  savage  principle  of  our  enemy,  neither  to  give 
nor  accept  quarter,  and  while  every  American  will  deeply  la 
ment  the  loss  of  our  meritorious  fellow  soldiers  who  have  fallen 
in  this  contest,  we  have  ample  cause  of  gratitude  to  the  giver  of 
all  victory  for  thus  continuing  his  protection  to  our  women  and 
children,  who  would  otherwise  be  exposed  to  the  indiscriminate 
havoc  of  the  tomahawk  and  all  the  horrors  of  savage  warfare. 
I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c, 

THOMAS  PINCKNEY, 

Mag.  Gen.  U.  S.  army. 
His  excellency  Gov.  Early. 


(iNCLOSURE.) 

ON  THE  BATTLE  GROUND,  IN  THE  BEND  OF  THE  TALAPOOSIE, 

March  28th,  1814. 

SIR, 

I  feel  particularly  happy  in  being  able  to  communicate  to  you 
the  fortunate  eventuation  of  my  expedition  to  Talapoosie.  I 
reached  the  head  near  Emucfau  (called  by  the  whites  Horse 
Shoe)  about  10  o'clock  on  the  forenoon  of  yesterday,  where  I 
found  the  strength  of  the  neighboring  townsrcollected  ;  expecting 
our  approach,  they  had  gathered  in  from  Oakfuskee,  Oakehoga, 
New  Yorcau,  Hillibees,  the  Fish  Pond,  and  Eufalee  towns,  to  the 
number  it  is  said  of  1 000.  It  is  difficult  to  conceive  a  situation  more 
eligible  for  defence  than  the  one  they  had  chosen,  or  one  rendered 
more  secure  by  the  skill  with  which  they  had  ereted  their  breast 
work.  It  was  from  5  to  8  feet  high,  and  extended  across  the  point  in 
such  a  direction,  as  that  a  force  approaching  it  would  be  exposed  to 
a  double  fire,  while  they  lay  in  perfect  security  behind.  A  cannon 
.planted  at  one  extremity  could  have  raked  it  to  no  advantage. 

Determined  to  exterminate  them,  I  detached  general  Coffee 
with  the  mounted,  and  nearly  the  whole  of  the  Indian,  force,  early 
on  the  morning  of  yesterday,  to  cross  the  river  about  two  miles 
below  their  encampment,  and  to  surround  the  bend  in  such  a 
manner,  as  that  none  of  them  should  escape  by  attempting  to  cross 
the  river.  With  the  infantry  I  proceeded  slowly  and  in  order 
along  the  point  of  land  which  led  to  the  front  of  their  breast 
work  ;  having  planted  my  cannon,  (one  six  and  one  three  poun 
der)  on  an  eminence  at  the  distance  of  150  to  200  yards  from  it, 
I  opened  a  very  brisk  fire,  playing  upon  the  enemy  with  the  mus 
kets  and  rifles  whenever  they  shewd  themselves  beyond  it ;  this 
was  kept  up,  with  short  interruptions,  for  about  two  [tours,  when  a 
part  of  the  Indian  force  and  captain  Russell's,  and  lieutenant 
Bern's  companies  of  spies,  who  had  accompanied  ^eiieral  Coffee* 
crossed  over  in  canoes  to  the  extremity  of  the  benS,  and  set  fire 


3*0 

to  a  few  of  the  buildings  which  were  there  situated  ;  they  thett 
advanced  with  areat  gallantry  towards  the  breastwork,  and  com 
mented  a  spirited  fire  upon  the  enemy  behind  it.  Finding  that 
this  fi»rr£,  notwithstanding  the  bravery  thus  displayed,  was  wholly 
insufficient  to  dislodge  them,  and  that  general  Coffee  had  entirely 
secured  the  opposite  bank  of  the  river,  I  now  determined  to  take 
their  works  by  storm.  The  men  by  whom  this  was  to  be  effected 
had  been  v/aitm^  with  impatience  to  receive  the  order,  and  hailed 
It  .  i.r.h  acclamation.  The  spirit  which  animated  them  was  a  sure 
augury  of  the  success  which  was  to  follow.  The  history  of  war 
fare  i  think  furnishes  few  instances  of  a  more  brilliant  attack ; 
the  regulars  led  on  by  t'.ieir  intrepid  and  skillful  commander, 
coionel  Williams,  and  by  the  gallant  major  Montgomery,  soon 
gained  possession  of  the  works  ia  the  midst  of  a  most  tremendous 
fire  from  behind  them,  and  the  militia  of  the  venerable  general 
Doherty's  brigade  accompanied  them  in  the  charge  with  a  vivacity 
and  firmness  which  would  have  done  honour  to  regulars.  The 
enemy  was  com  pletely  routed.  Five  hundred  and  fifty-seven  were 
left  dead  on  the  peninsula,  and  a  great  number  were  killed  by  the 
horsemen  in  attempting  to  cross  the  river.  It  is  believed  that  not 
more  than  twenty  have  escaped. 

The  fighting  continued  with  some  severity  about  five  hours, 
but  we  continued  to  destroy  many  of  them,  who  had  concealed 
themselves  under  the  banks  of  the  river,  until  we  were  prevented 
by  the  night.  This  morning  we  killed  sixteen  who  had  been 
concealed.  We  took  about  250  prisoners,  all  women  and  children 
except  two  or  three.  Our  loss  is  106  wounded,  and  25  killed. 
Major  M'lutosh,  the  Cowetau,  who  joined  my  army  with  a  part  of 
his  tribe,  greatly  distinguished  himself.  When  I  get  a  leisure 
hour  I  v  ill  send  you  a  more  detailed  account. 

According  to  my  original  purpose,  I  commenced  my  return 
march  to  Fort  Williams  to-day,  and  shall,  if  I  find  sufficient 
supplies  there,  hasten  to  the  Hickory  ground.  The  power  of  the* 
Creeks  is  I  think  forever  broken. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

ANDREW  JACKSON,  Maj.  Gen. 
Major  general  Thomas  Pinckney. 


After  the  battle  of  the  Horse  Shoe  general  Jackson  made  the  fol 
lowing  address  to  the  army,  March  28th,  1814* 

SOLDIERS, 

You  have  entitled  yourselves  to  the  gratitude  of  your  coun 
try  and  your  general.  The  expedition,  from  which  you  have  just 
returned,  has,  by  your  good  conduct,  been  rendered  prosperous, 
beyond  any  example  in  the  history  of  our  warfare:  it  has  re 
deemed  the  character  of  your  state,  and  of  that  description  of 
troops,  of  which  the  greater  part  of  you  are. 


You  have,  within  a  few  days,  opened  your  way  to  the  Tallapoo- 
sie,  and  destroyed  a  confederacy  of  the  enemy,  ferocious  by  na 
ture,  and  grown  insolent  from  impunity.  Relying  on  their  num 
bers,  the  security  of  their  situation,  and  the  assurances  of  their 
prophets,  they  derided  our  approach,  and  already  exulted,  ia 
anticipation  of  the  victory  they  expected  to  obtain.  But  they 
were  ignorant  of  the  influence  of  government  on  the  human  pow 
ers,  nor  knew  what  brave  men,  and  civilized,  could  effect.  B^y 
their  yells,  they  hoped  to  frighten  us,  and  with  their  wooden  forti 
fications  to  oppose  us.  Stupid  mortals  !  their  yells  but  designa 
ted  their  situation  the  more  certainly ;  whilst  their  walls  became 
a  snare  for  their  own  destruction.  So  will  it  ever  be  when 
presumption  and  ignorance  contend  against  bravery  and  pru 
dence. 

The  fiends  of  the  Tallapoosie  will  no  longer  murder  our  women 
and  children,  or  disturb  the  quiet  of  our  borders.  Their  mid 
night  flambeaux  will  no  more  illumine  their  council-house,  or 
shine  upon  the  victim  of  their  infernal  orgies.  In  their  places,  a 
new  generation  will  arise,  who  will  know  their  duty  better.  The 
weapons  of  warfare  will  be  exchanged  for  utensils  of  husbandry  ; 
and  the  wilderness,  which  now  withers  in  sterility,  and  mourns 
the  desolation  which  overspreads  her,  will  blossom  as  the  rose, 
and  become  the  nursery  of  the  arts.  But  before  this  happy  day 
can  arrive,  other  chastisements  remain  to  be  inflicted.  It  is 
indeed  lamentable,  that  the  path  to  peace  should  lead  through 
blood,  and  over  the  bodies  of  the  slain :  but  it  is  a  dispensation 
of  Providence,  to  inflict  partial  evils  that  good  may  be  produced. 

Our  enemies  are  not  sufficiently  humbled ;  they  do  not  sue  for 
peace.  A  collection  of  them  awaits  our  approach,  and  remain  to 
be  dispersed.  Buried  in  ignorance,  and  seduced  by  their  prophets, 
they  have  the  weakness  to  believe  they  will  still  be  able  to  make 
a  stand  against  us.  They  must  be  undeceived,  and  made  to  atone 
for  their  obstinacy  and  their  crimes,  by  still  further  suffering. 
The  hopes  which  have  so  long  deluded  them,  must  be  driven  from 
their  last  refuge.  They  must  be  made  to  know  that  their  pro 
phets  are  impostors,  and  that  our  strength  is  mighty,  and  will 
prevail.  Then,  arid  not  till  then,  may  we  expect  to  make  with 
them  a  peace  that  shall  be  lasting. 


Extract  of  a  letter  frvm  general  Jackson   to  governor  Blount. 

March  28th,  1814. 

"  I  took  up  the  line  of  march  on  the  morning  of  the  24th  instant, 
and  having  opened  a  passage  of  52  miles  over  the  ridges  which 
divide  the  waters  of  the  two  rivers,  I  reached  the  bend  of  the  Ta- 
lapoosie  three  miles  beyond  where  I  had  the  engagement  of  the 
22d  January,  and  at  the  southern  extremity  of  New  Yorcan  om 

41 


322 

the  morning  of  the  27th.  This  bend  resembles  in  its  curvature 
that  of  a  horse  shoe,  and  is  thence  called  by  that  name  among  the 
whites.  Nature  furnishes  few  situations  as  eligible  for  defence; 
and  barbarians  have  never  rendered  one  more  secure  by  art.  Across 
the  neck  of  land  which  leads  into  it  from  the  north,  they  have 
had  erected  abreast-work  of  the  greatest  compactness  and  strength, 
from  five  to  eight  feet  high,  and  prepared  with  double  rows  of 
port  holes  very  artfully  arranged.  The  figure  of  this  wall  mani 
fested  no  less  skill  in  the  projectors  of  it,  than  its  construction : 
an  army  could  not  approach  it,  without  being  exposed  to  a  double 
and  cross  fire  from  the  enemy,  who  lay  in  perfect  security  behind 
it.  The  area  of  this  peninsula,  thus  bounded  by  breast-works, 
includes,  I  conjecture,  80  or  100  acres. 

"  Having  maintained  for  a  few  minutes  a  very  obstinate  conflict, 
muzzle  to  muzzle,  through  the  port  holes,  in  which  many  of  the 
enemas  balls  were  welded  to  the  bayonets  of  our  muskets*  our  troops 
succeeded  in  gaining  the  opposite  side  of  the  works.  The  event 
could  no  longer  be  doubtful.  The  enemy,  although  many  of 
them  fought  to  the  last  with  that  kind  of  bravery  which  despera 
tion  inspires,  were  at  length  routed  and  cut  to  pieces.  The  whole 
margin  of  the  river  which  surrounded  the  peninsula,  was  strewed 
with  the  slain. 

"Among  the  dead  was  found  their  famous  prophet  Monahooe, 
shot  in  the  mouth  by  a  grapeshot,  as  if  Heaven  designed  to  chas 
tise  his  impostures  by  an  appropriate  punishment.  Two  other 
prophets  were  also  killed  ;  leaving  no  others,  as  I  learn,  on  the 
Talaponsie.  Our  loss  was  26  white  men  killed  and  106  wounded. 
Cherokees  18  killed  and  36  wounded.  Friendly  Creeks  5  killed 
and  11  wounded. 

"The  I  oss  of  colonel  Williams's  regiment  of  regulars  is  17  killed 
and  55  wounded,  two  of  whom  have  since  died.  Amongst  the 
formed  were  major  Montgomery,  lieutenant  Somerville,  and  lieu 
tenant  Mooltori,  who  fell  in  the  charge  made  on  the  works.  No 
men  ever  acted  more  gallantly  or  fell  more  gloriously. 

"  Of  the  artillery  company  commanded  by  captain  Parish,  11 
were  wounded,  one  of  whom,  Samuel  Garner,  has  since  died. 
Lieutenants  Allen  and  Ridgely  were  both  wounded.  The  whole 
company  acted  with  its  usual  gallantry.  Captain  Bradford  of  the 
17th  United  States'  infantry,  who  acted  as  chief  engineer,  and 
superintended  the  firing  of  the  cannon,  has  entitled  himself,  by  his 
good  conduct,  to  my  warmest  thanks. 

"  To  say  all  in  a  word,  the  whole  army  who  achieved  this  fortu 
nate  victory,  have  merited,  by  their  good  conduct,  the  gratitude 
of  their  country.  So  far  as  I  saw  or  could  learn,  there  was  not 
an  officer  or  soldier  who  did  not  perform  his  duty  with  the  ut 
most  fidelity.  The  conductof  the  militia  on  this  occasion  has  gone 
far  towards  redeeming  the  character  of  that  description  of  troops. 
They  have  been  as  orderly  in  their  encampments,  and  on  their 
line  of  inarch,  as  they  have  been  signally  brave  in  the  day  of  battle. 


323 


In  a  few  days  I  shall  take  up  the  line  of  march  for  the  Hickory 
ground;  and  have  every  thing  to  hope  from  such  troops." 


following  extract  f rot*  the  life  of  general  Jackson,  by  his  aid, 
John  R'id,  brevet  major,  United  States'  «n/i:y,  pourtrays  the 
difficulties  which  surrounded  the  general  prior  to  the  battle 
of  Tohopeka  or  the  Horse  Shoe. 

"  Nothing  was  wanted  now,  to  put  the  troops  in  motion,  and 
actively  to  prosecute  the  war,  but  necessary  supplies.  Remon- 
stance,  entreaty,  and  threats,  had  long  since  been  used,  and  ex 
hausted.  Every  mean  had  been  resorted  to,  to  impress  on  the 
minds  of  the  contractors  the  necessity  of  urging  forward,  in 
faithful  discharge  of  their  duty  ;  but  the  same  indifference  and 
neglect  were  still  persisted  in.  Toward  oft' the  effects  of  such 

freat  evils, — evils  which  he  foresaw  would  again  eventuate  in 
iscontent  and  revolt,  Jackson  resolved  to  pursue  a  different 
course,  and  no  longer  depend  on  persons  who  had  so  frequently 
disappointed  him.  He  accordingly  despatched  messengers  to  the 
nearest  settlements,  with  directions  to  purchase  provisions  at 
whatever  price  they  could  be  procured.  This  course,  to  these  in 
cumbents  on  the  nation,  afforded  an  argument  much  stronger  than 
any  to  which  he  had  before  resorted.  Thus  assailed  in  a 
way  they  had  not  before  thought  of,  by  being  held  and  made 
liable  for  the  amount  of  the  purchases,  they  exerted  themselves 
in  discharge  of  a  duty  they  had  hitherto  shamefully  neglected. 
Every  expedient  had  been  tried,  to  urge  them  to  a  compliance 
with  the  obligations  they  were  under  to  their  government  ;  un 
til  present,  none  had  proved  effectual.  In  one  of  his  letters, 
about  this  time,  the  general  remarks  :  '  I  have  no  doubt,  but  a 
combination  has  been  formed,  to  starve  us  out,  and  defeat  the 
objects  of  the  campaign  ;  but  McGee  ought  to  have  recollected  that 
he  had  disappointed  and  starved  my  army  once ;  and  now  in  re 
turn,  it  shall  be  amply  provided  for,  at  his  expense.  At  this 
point,  he  was  to  have  delivered  the  rations,  and  whatever  they 
may  cost,  at  this  place,  he  will  be  required  to  pay ;  any  price 
that  will  ensure  their  delivery,  I  have  directed  to  be  given.' 
The  supplying  an  army  by  contractors,  he  had  often  objected  to,  as 
highly  exceptionable  and  dangerous.  His  monitor,  on  this  sub 
ject,  was  his  own  experience.  Disappointment,  mutiny,  and 
abandonment  by  his  troops,  when  in  the  full  career  of  success, 
and  an  unnecessarily  protracted  campaign,  were  among  the  evils 
already  experienced,  and  which  he  wished,  if  possible,  to  be  in  fu 
ture  avoided. 

"  Under  these  and  other  circumstances  which  seemed  to  in 
volve  much  more  serious  consequences,  the  general  had  but  little 
repose  or  quietness ;  every  thing  was  working  in  opposition  to  his 
wishes.  The  East  Tennessee  brigade,  under  the  command  of 


324 

Boherty,  having  been  instructed  to  halt,  until  adequate  Supplies 
should  be  received  at  head  quarters,  had  already  manifested  many 
symptoms  of  revolt,  and  was  with  much  difficulty  restrained  from 
returning  immediately  home.  Added  to  their  own  discontents, 
and  unwillingness  to  remain  in  service,  much  pains  had  been  ta 
ken  by  a  personage  high  in  authority,  to  scatter  dissension 
amongst  them,  and  to  persuade  them,  that  they  had  been  impro 
perly  called  out,  and  without  sufficient  authority  ; — that  the  draft 
was  illegal,  and.  that  they  were  under  no  necessity  to  serve. 
Arguments  like  these,  urged  by  a  man  of  standing,  were  well  cal 
culated  to  answer  the  end  desired  ;  what  the  governing  motive 
was,  that  gave  rise  to  a  course  of  conduct  so  strange,  is  difficult  to 
be  imagined ;  none  was  ever  avowed,  and  certainly  none  can  be 
given,  that  will  account  for  it  satisfactorily.  On  the  morning 
that  general  Doherty  was  about  to  proceed  to  head  quarters,  he 
was  astonished  to  find  a  beating  up  for  volunteers,  to  abandon  his 
camp  and  return  home.  Notwithstanding  all  his  efforts  to  pre 
vent  it,  one  hundred  and  eighty  deserted.  His  surprise  was  still 
greater,  on  learning,  that  a  captain  from  Carter  county,  had  been 
instructed  by  major  general  Cocke,  that  in  the  event  of  his  march 
ing  back  any  number  of  the  troops,  he  would  take  upon  himself  to 
discharge  them,  on  their  return  to  Knoxville.  Before  this,  Cocke 
had  been  at  the  camp  of  Doherty,  and  had,  by  different  means, 
attempted  to  excite  mutiny  and  disaffection  among  the  troops. 
As  a  reason  for  being  unwilling  to  go  with  them  in  command,  he 
stated,  that  they  would  be  placed  in  a  situation  which  he  disliked 
to  mention,  and  one  which  his  feelings  would  not  enable  him  to 
witness  :  that  they  were  going  out  to  be  placed  under  the  com 
mand  of  general  Jackson,  who  would  impose  on  them  the  seve 
rest  trials,  and  where  they  would  have  to  encounter  every  privation 
and  suffering.  He  represented,  that  at  head  quarters  there  was 
not  a  sufficiency  of  provisions  on  hand  to  last  five  days  ;  nor  was 
there  a  probability  that  there  would  be  any  change  of  circum 
stances  ror  the  better; — that  should  they  once  be  placed  in  the 
power  of  Jackson,  he  would,  with  the  regular  force  under  his 
command,  compel  them  to  serve  as  long  as  he  pleased.  Expres 
sions  like  these,  to  men  who  had  never  before  been  in  the  iield, 
and  coming  from  one  who  had  already  been  employed  in  a  res 
pectable  command,  were  well  calculated  to  poduce  serious  im 
pressions.  Doherty,  who  was  a  brigadier  in  the  first  division,  wras 
at  a  loss  to  know  how  he  should  proceed  with  his  own  major  gen 
eral,  who  had  obtruded  himself  into  his  camp,  and  was  endea 
voring  to  excite  a  revolt ;  he  accordingly  despatched  an  express 
to  head  quarters,  to  give  information  of  what  was  passing.  The 
messenger  arrived,  and,  in  return,  received  an  order  from  gen 
eral  Jackson  to  Doiierty,  commanding  him,  peremptorily,  to  seize, 
and  send  under  guard  to  Fort  Strother,  every  officer,  without  re 
gard  to  his  rank,  who  should  be  found,  in  any  manner,  attempt 
ing  to  excite  his  army  to  mutiny.  General  Cocke,  perhaps  appre- 


325 

hending  what  was  going  on,  had  retired  before  this  order  arrived, 
and  thus  escaped  the  punishment  due  to  so  aggravated  an 
offence." 


PROVINCE  OF  LOWER  CANADA, 

Odell  Town,  March  31st,  1814. 

SIR, 

We  have  had  an  affair  with  the  enemy,  in  which  our  troops 
have  given  him  another  test  of  firmness  and  valour. 

Pursuant  to  the  designs  communicated  to  you  in  my  last,  anf! 
to  accomplish  your  views  if  in  my  power,  I  entered  Canada  yes 
terday  morning,  and  was  met  by  the  enemy  near  this  place,  about 
eleven  o'clock,  whom  we  forced  at  every  point  of  attack  on 
the  route  to  La  Cole,  distant  from  hence  one  league,  and  from 
St.  John's  six.  We  reached  the  former  post  about  three  o'clock, 
and  found  there  a  strong  corps  in  possession  of  a  spacious  lofty- 
stone  mill,  of  which  I  had  received  some  information.  An  eigh 
teen  pounder  had  been  ordered  forward  to  effect  the  destruction 
of  t-;is  building,  but  it  broke  down,  and  after  being  repaired,  the 
only  road  of  approach  through  a  deep  forest  was  reported  to  be 
impracticable  to  a  <nm  of  such  weight.  An  opinion  prevailed  at 
the  syine  time  with  the  chief  engineer,  major  Totten,  founded  on 
intelligence  previously  received,  and  several  of  the  best  inform 
ed  officers,  that  an  iron  twelve  would  suffice  to  make  a  breach ; 
but  after  a  fair  and  tedious  experiment  at  300  yards  distance  only, 
it  was  discovered  our  battery  could  make  no  impression. 

Brigadier  generals  Smith  and  Eissell,  covered  our  guns,  and. 
brigadier  general  Macomb,  with  a  select  corps,  formed  the  re 
serve.  The  enemy  had  been  reported,  from  a  source  considered 
strictly  confidential,  to  2500  strong,  and  his  first  attack  of  my 
right  favoured  the  report,  from  the  use  he  made  of  congreve 
rockets  aud  other  indications  of  deliberate  preparation;  the 
corps,  therefore,  were  held  in  high  order  to  receive  his  combined 
attack.  Yet  believing  in  the  efficacy  of  our  battery,  dispositions 
had  been  made  to  intercept  the  enemy,  should  he  evacuate  the 
post,  and  to  give  it  the  utmost  effect,  we  were  obliged  to  take 
ground  near  the  margin  of  the  field,  which  encompassed  the  mill. 
During  the  cannonade,  which  was  returned  with  vivacity  by  the 
enemy's  gallies  (I  presume)  several  sorties  and  desperate  charges) 
were  made  from  the  mill  upon  our  battery,  which  were  repulsed 
with  incredible  coolness  by  the  covering  corps,  at  the  expense 
of  some  blood  and  some  lives  on  both  sides  ;  it  is  reported  to  me, 
that  in  the  last  charge,  a  captain  of  grenadiers  and  fifteen  men 
fell  together,  but  1  cannot  vouch  for  the  fact.  Finding  all  our 
attempts  to  make  a  breach  unsuccessful,  I  withdrew  the  battery, 
called  in  my  detachments,  and  having  removed  our  dead  and 
wounded,  and  every  thing  else,  fell  back  to  this  place  about  six 
o'clock. 


32V 

Where  a  military  corps  appears  to  be  universally  animated  by 
the  same  sensibilities,  where  the  only  competition  is  for  danger 
and  glory,  individual  distinctions  seem  improper,  except  in  ex 
traordinary  cases,  such  as  the  conduct  of  the  officers  who  com 
manded  our  battery  yesterday.  Captain  M'Pherson,  of  the  light 
artillery,  (my  military  secretary,  impelled  by  the  noble  spirit 
which  marks  his  whole  character,)  asked  permission  to  take  part 
in  the  operations  of  the  day  with  his  proper  arm  ;  he  was  indulg 
ed,  and  being  first  for  command,  took  charge  of  the  pieces  which 
followed  the  advance  and  formed  our  battery,  in  which  he  was 
seconded  by  lieutenants  Larrabee  and  Sheldon.  On  opening  his 
lire  he  seemed  inclined  to  the  opinion  he  could  make  an  impres 
sion  on  the  work,  but  he  soon  received  a  wound  under  the  chin, 
which  he  tied  up  with  his  handkerchief,  arid  continued  at  his  piece, 
until  a  second  shot,  which  broke  his  thigh,  brought  him  to  the 
earth.  Larrabee  had  kept  his  station,  until  shot  through  the 
lungs,  and  Sheldon  kept  up  the  fire  until  ordered  to  retire.  The 
conduct  of  these  gentlemen  has,  from  the  nature  of  their  duties, 
been  so  conspicuously  gallant,  as  to  attract  the  admiration  of  their 
brethren  in  arms,  and  should  (I  humbly  conceive)  be  distinguish 
ed  by  the  executive.  I  have  sent  forward  my  wounded,  who  can 
bear  the  movement  to  Plattsburg  or  Burlington,  and  those  who 
cannot,  will  be  provided  for  at  Champlain.  I  would  hold  this 
position  until  I  received  further  orders,  were  it  not  for  the  diffi 
culty  of  transporting  our  provisions,  and  the  impossibility  to  cover 
the  troops ;  but  1  shall  not  retire  further  than  Champlain,  which 
will  place  us  twenty-five  miles  from  St.  John's,  and  forty-two  from 
Montreal. 

I  cannot  close  this  letter  without  confessing  my  obligations  to 
my  general  and  field  officers,  and  to  my  genera!  staff  of  every 
grade,  for  the  able  and  prompt  support  I  received  from  them.  So 
small  an  affair  does  not  merit  so  tedious  a  detail,  but  it  warrants 
the  remark,  that  it  will  produce  a  degree  of  self  confidence,  of  re 
ciprocal  trust,  of  harmony  and  friendly  attachments  in  this  corps 
highly  beneficial  to  this  service.  It  is  a  lesson  of  command  to  the 
officers,  and  of  obedience  to  the  soldiers,  worth  a  whole  year's 
drill  of  empty  parades.  The  returns  of  killed  and  wounded,  have 
not  yet  been  furnished,  but  they  will  not  exceed  80  or  90,  in 
cluding  a  captain  and  four  subaltern's,  and  this  shall  be  forward 
ed  to-morrow  or  next  day.  For  the  information  of  their  friends, 
you  have  at  foot  the  names  of  the  wounded  officers. 

With  great  respect,  &c. 

JAMES  WILKINSON. 

Officers  wounded  : 

Captain  M'Pherson,  lieutenant  Larrabee,  light  artillery  ;  lieu 
tenant  Ureen,  1 1th  infantry  ;  leutenant  Parker,  14th  infantry: 
lieutenant  Kerr,  rifle  regiment. 


327 

RUTLEDGE,  April  6th,  1814, 
SIR, 

The  limited  means  T  set  out  with  to  procure  provisions  for  the 
troops  under  your  command,  and  the  transportation  thereof,  would 
in  almost  every  other  country  have  proved  ineffectual.  The  con 
tractors,  the  quarter  master  and  the  citizens  concerned  with  me, 
have  all  done  their  duty,  and  it  is  with  much  pleasure  that  I  now 
announce  to  you,  that  the  waters  have  risen,  and  theboatsare  de 
scending  the  rivers  Holstein,  Frenchbroad,  and  Tennessee,  so 
that  we  shall  be  able  to  land  from  three  to  live  thousand  barrels  of 
bread  stuff,  from  thirty  to  fifty  thousand  weight  of  bacon  and 
other  necessary  supplies  at  Fort  Deposit,  within  eight  or  ten  days, 
in  addition  to  what  you  now  have,  which  will  more  than  realize 
your  best  expectations.  It  is  a  high  gratification  forme  to  assure 
you  that  the  best  exertions  to  aid  me  in  all  things  necessary,  Lave 
been  cheerfully  afforded  by  my  fellow  citizens  in  all  parts  of  the 
state,  as  well  as  in  the  county  ot  Madison,  in  the  Mississippi  ter 
ritory.  May  glory  and  conquest  still  attend  you. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

WILLIAM  COCKE. 

Major  general  Andrew  Jackson. 


CAMP,  AT  THE  JUNCTION  OF  THE  COOSEE  &  TALAPOOSTE, 

April  18th,  1814. 

SIR, 

I  am  happy  to  inform  you  that  the  campaign  is  drawing  to  a 
prosperous  close.  We  have  scoured  the  Coosee  and  Talapoosie, 
and  the  intervening  country.  A  part  of  the  enemy  on  the  latter 
river,  made  their  escape  across  it  just  before  our  arrival,  and  are 
flying  in  consternation  towards  Pensacola.  Many  of  those  on  the 
Coo-see  and  the  neighbouring  country,  have  come  in  and  surren 
dered  unconditionally  ;  and  others  are  on  their  way,  and  hourly 
arriving,  to  submit  in  the  same  way.  We  will  overtake  those  who 
have  fled,  and  make  them  sensible  there  is  no  more  safety  in  flight 
than  in  resistance. 

Many  of  the  negroes  who  were  taken  at  fort  Minims,  have  been 
delivered  up,  and  one  white  woman  (Polly  Jones),  with  her  two 
children.  They  will  be  properly  taken  care  of.  The  Talapoosie 
king  has  been  arrested,  and  is  here  in  confinement.  The  Tosta- 
hatchee  king  of  the  Hickory  ground  tribe,  has  delivered  himself 
up.  Weatherford  has  been  with  me,  and  I  did  not  confine  him. 
He  will  be  with  me  again  in  a  few  days.  Peter  M'Quin  has  been 
taken,  but  escaped ;  he  must  be  taken  again.  Hillishagee,  their 
great  prophet,  has  also  absconded  ;  but  he  will  be  found.  'They 
were  the  instigators  of  the  war,  and  such  is  their  situation. 


32S 

$?he  advance  of  the  eastern  division  formed  a  junction  with  me 
at  the  Hallawellee,  on  the  15th,  and  accompanied  me  to  fort 
Decatur,  opposite  Tuckabatchee,  and  the  rest  will  arrive  in  a  few 
days,  except  what  will  be  left  for  the  retention  of  the  posts.  Major 
general  Pinckney  will  join  the  army  at  this  place  to-morrow  or 
next  day.  The  business  of  the  campaign  will  not,  i  presume, 
require  that  I  or  rny  troops  should  remain  here  much  longer. 
General  Pinckney  and  colonel  Hawkins,  who  is  now  with  me, 
have  been  appointed  to  make  the  treaty. 

I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  &c. 

ANDREW  JACKSON,  Maj.  Gen. 

His  excellency  Willie  Blount, 

Governor  of  Tennessee. 


UNITED  STATES'  SHIP  GENERAL  PIKE, 

Sackett's  Harbour,  April  27th,  1814. 
SIR, 

The  night  of  the  25th  instant,  two  of  our  guard  boats  fell  in 
with  three  of  the  enemy's  boats  in  this  bay.  Lieutenant  Dudley, 
(the  officer  of  the  guard')  hailed  and  was  answered,  "guard  boats;" 
this,  however,  not  being  satisfactory,  he  repeated  the  hail,  but  was 
not  answered  ;  finding  that  strange  boats  were  endeavouring  to 
cut  him  olf  from  the  shore,  he  fired  upon  them;  the  enemy,  fay 
ing  upon  their  oars  for  a  short  time,  pulled  in  towards  Hull  Rock 
Point,  without  returning  the  fire.  Lieutenant  Dudley  returned 
to  the  fleet,  and  got  a  reinforcement  of  boats;  but  nothing  more 
was  seen  of  the  enemy  that  night.  Yesterday  morning,  I  directed 
both  shores  of  Shermont  Hay  to  be  examined,  to  see  whether  the 
enemy  had  not  secreted  himself  in  some  of  the  small  Creeks.  No 
thing  however,  was  discovered,  but  six  barrels  of  powder,  found 
in  the  water  near  the  shore,  where  our  guard  boats  fired  on  the 
enemy;  these  barrels  were  all  slung  in  such  a  manner,  that  one 
man  could  take  two  across  his  shoulders  and  carry  them  ;  each 
barrel  had  a  hole  bored  in  the  head  of  about  an  inch  diameter,  with 
a  wooden  plug  in  it;  these  barrels  of  powder  were  evidently  fitted 
for  the  purpose  of  blowing  our  large  ship  up,  if  the  enemy  could 
have  u;ot  in  undiscovered,  by  placing  them  under  the  ship's  bottom, 
and  putting  a  piece  of  slo"w  match  or  port- fire  in  the  hole  in  the 
head,  which  would  burn  a  sufficient  time  to  allow  the  parties  to 
escape  before  the  fire  would  communicate  to  the  powder ;  this  also 
accounts  for  the  enemy  not  returning  the  fire  of  our  boats,  for, 
having  so  much  powder  in,  he  was  apprehensive  of  accidents, 
which  no  doubt  induced  him  to  heave  it  overboard,  to  be  prepared 
to  return  the  fire  if  he  was  pursued. 

It  would  have  been  impossible  for  the  enemy  to  have  succeeded, 
even  if  he  had  eluded  our  guard  boats  (which  there  are  two  lines 
of;)  for,  independent  of  all  the  approaches  by  water  being  secured 


by  booms,  the  Madison  is  moored  across  the  large  ship's  stent 
within  twenty  yards,  and  her  guns  loaded  with  canister  and  bags 
of  musket  balls,  to  rake  under  the  bottom  if  necessary.  A  lieute*- 
nant,  two  midshipmen  and  ten  men,  are  on  watch  under  the 
ship's  bottom  every  night,  besides  a  marine  guard  outside  of  heft 
With  all  these  precautions,  I  think  that  it  would  be  impossible  for 
an  enemy  to  land  near  the  ship  yard  unobserved.  However,  after 
this  discovery  of  the  enemy's  intentions*  we  shall  redouble  out 
vigilance  and  exertions  to  preserve  our  fleet  to  meet  the  enemy 
fairly  upon  the  Lake. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

ISAAC  CHAUNCEY, 

Honourable  "W.  Jones. 


UNITED  STATES'  SHIP  ADAMS,  April  29th,  1814. 
SIR, 

Having  passed  the  enemy  in  Lynhaven,  on  the  night  of  the 
I8th  of  January  last,  I  steered  to  the  southward  of  Bermuda,  and 
crossed  the  Atlantic,  between  28  and  32  degrees,  north  latitude. 
On  the  29th  January,  captured  an  English  schooner  from  Malaga 
to  Halifax,  with  a  cargo  of  wine,  oil  and  fruit,  which  we  burnt,  as 
we  likewise  did  another  schooner  from  Newfoundland  to  Grenada, 
with  a  cargo  offish  and  oil,  captured  on  the  9th  February* 

On  the  4th  March,  captured  a  small  sloop  boat  under  Cape 
Mount,  on  the  coast  of  Africa,  with  a  little  rice  and  Camwood  on 
board;  twenty  leagues  east  of  Cape  Palmas,  we  captured  on  the 
llth  March,  the  brig  Roebuck,  of  London*  with  a  small  quantity 
of  ivory,  a  quantity  of  palm  oil,  arid  various  other  articles.  After 
destroying  her  armament  and  cargo,  we  paroled  our  prisoners,  and 
gave  them  the  brig  as  a  cartel  to  Sierra  Leone.  After  a  long 
chase  on  the  25th  March,  the  last  four  hours  of  which  was  in  thick 
Weather,  we  captured  the  English  India  ship  Woodbridge,  with 
a  cargo  of  rice  and  dye-woods,  but  had  scarcely  taken  possession 
of  her,  when  the  weather  cleared  up,  and  we  discovered  a  fleet  of  25 
sail  immediately  to  windward  of  us,  and  two  ships  of  war  standing 
for  us ;  we  were  compelled  to  abandon  the  prize  with  precipita 
tion,  and  attend  to  our  own  safety,  till  11  A.  M.  the  next  day, 
when  they  gave  over  the  chase  and  returned  to  the  fleet.  I  inclosa 
the  paroles  signed  by  the  prisoners. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

C.  MORRIS, 

tlonourable  William  Jones. 


UNITED  STATES'  SLOOP  PEACOCK,  AT  SEA, 

Latitude  27,  47,  longitude  S9,  April  29th,  i8U, 

SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  inform  you,  that  we  have  this  morning; 
raptured,  after  an  action  of  42  minute*,  his  majesty's  brig  fipet/ 


330 

,  captain  Wales,  rating  and  mounting  18  thirty -two  pound  car- 
ronades,  with  128  men,  of  whom  8  were  killed  and  15  wounded, 
according  to  the  best  information  we  could  obtain.  Among  the  latter 
is  her  first  lieu  tenant, 'who  has  lost  an  arm,  and  received  a  severe 
splinter  wound  on  the  hip.  Not  a  man  in  the  Peacock  was  killed, 
and  only  two  wounded,  neither  dangerously  so.  The  fate  of  the 
Epervier  would  have  been  determined  in  much  less  time,  but  for 
the  circumstance  of  our  fora  yard  being  totally  disabled  by  two 
round  shot  in  the  starboard  quarter  from  her  first  broadside,,  which 
entirely  deprived  us  of  the  use  of  our  fore  and  fore -top  sails 
and  compelled  us  to  keep  the  ship  large  throughout  the  remain 
der  of  the  action.  This,  with  a  few  top-mast  and  top -gallant  back 
stays  cut  away,  a  few  shot  through  our  sails,  is  the  only  injury 
the  Peacock  has  sustained.  Not  a  round  shot  touched  our  hull ; 
our  masts  and  spars  are  as  sound  as  ever.  When  the  •  enemy 
struck  he  had  five  feet  water  in  his  hold,  his  main  top-mast  was 
Over  the  side,  his  main  boom  shot  away,  his  fore-mast  cut  nearly 
in  two  and  tottering,  his  fore  rigging  and  stays  shot  away,  his 
bowsprit  badly  wounded,  and  forty-five  shot  holes  in  his  hull, 
twenty  of  which  were  within  a  foot  of  his  water  line.  By  great 
exertion  we  got  her  in  sailing  order  just  as  dark  came  on. 

In  fifteen  minutes  after  the  enemy  struck,  the  Peacock  was 
ready  for  another  action,  in  every  respect  but  her  fore  yard,  which 
was  sent  down,  finished  and  had  the  foresail  set  again  in  forty 
five  minutes  :  such  was  the  spirit  and  activity  of  our  gallant  crew. 
The  Epervier  had  under  her  convoy  an  English  hermaphrodite  brig, 
a  Russian  and  a  Spanish  ship,  which  all  hauled  their  wind  and 
stood  to  the  east  north-east,  I  had  determined  upon  pursuing  the 
former,  but  found  that  it  would  not  answer  to  leave  our  prize  in 
her  then  crippled  state,  and  the  more  particularly  so,  as  we  found 
she  had  in  120,000  dollars  in  specie,  which  we  soon  transferred  to 
this  sloop.  Every  officer,  seaman  and  marine  did  his  duty,  which 
is  the  highest  compliment  I  can  pay  them. 

1  am,  respectfully, 

L.  WARRINGTON. 
Honourable  William  Jones. 


SAVANNAH,  May  1st,  1814, 

SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  of  informing  you  of  my  arrival  here  in  late 
his  Britannic  majesty's  brig  Epervier,  of  eighteen  32  pound  car- 
ronades,  captain  Wales,  captured  by  the  sloop  Peacock,  captain 
Warrington,  MI  Friday  morning,  the  29th  ultimo,  oft* cape  Carna- 
veral,  after  an  action  of  foity-two  minutes,  in  which  time  she  was 
much  cut  up  in  hull,  spars,  rising  and  sails,  with  upwards  of 
five  feet  water  in  her  hold,  having  the  advantage  of  the  weather 
gage 


331 

She  has  lost  8  killed  and  15  wounded,  among  the  latter  her  first 
lieutenant,  who  has  lost  his  arm.  1  am  happy  to  say  the  Peacock 
received  no  material  injury  :  her  fore  yard  and  two  men  slightly 
wounded  ;  she  received  not  one  shot  in  her  hull.  The  brig  hail 
upwards  of  one  hundred  thousand  dollars  on  board. 
1  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

JOHN  B.  NICOLSON. 

Honourable  William  Jones. 


UNITED  STATES'  SHIP  GENERAL  PIKE,  SACKETT'S  HARBOR, 

May  1st,  1814. 

SIR, 

I  am  happy  to  have  it  in  my  power  to  inform  you,  that  the 
United  States'  ship  "  Superior"  was  launched  this  morning,  with 
out  accident.  The  Superior  is  an  uncommon  beautiful,  well-built 
ship,  something  larger  than  the  President,  and  could  mount  64 
guns,  if  it  was  thought  advisable  to  put  as  many  upon  her.  This 
ship  has  been  built  in  the  short  space  of  eighty  days,  and  when  it 
is  taken  into  view,  that  two  brigs  of  500  tons  each,  have  also  been 
built,  rigged,  and  completely  fitted  for  service,  since  the  first  of 
February,  it  will  be  acknowledged,  that  the  mechanics  employed 
on  this  station  have  done  their  duty. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

ISAAC  CHATTNCEY. 
Honourable  William  Jones. 


UNITED  STATES'  SLOOP  PEACOCK,  May  5th,  1814. 

SIR, 

As  my  letter  of  yesterday  was  too  late  for  the  mail,  I  address 
you  again  in  the  performance  of  a  duty  which  is  pleasing  and  gra 
tifying  to  me  in  a  high  degree,  and  is  but  doing  justice  to  the 
merits  of  the  deserving  officers  under  my  command,  of  whom  I 
have  hitherto  refrained  from  speaking,  as  I  considered  it  most 
correct  to  make  it  a  subject  of  a  particular  communication. 

To  the  unwearied  and  indefatigable  attention  of  first  lieutenant 
Nicolson  in  organizing  and  training  the  crew,  the  success  of  this 
action  is  in  a  great  measure  to  be  attributed.  I  have  confided 
greatly  in  him,  and  have  never  found  my  confidence  misplaced. 
For  judgment,  coolness,  and  decision  in  times  of  difficulty,  few 
can  surpass  him.  This  is  the  second  action  in  which  he  has  been 
engaged  this  war,  and  in  both  he  has  been  successful.  His  great 
pride  is  to  earn  a  commander's  commission,  by  fighting  for,  instead 
of  heiring  it. 

From  second  lieutenant  Henley,  and  lieutenant  Voorhees  (act- 
ting  third,  who  has  also  twice  been  successfully  engaged)  1  receiv 
ed  every  assistance  that  zeal,  ardor  and  experience  could  afford. 
The  fire  from  their  two  divisions  was  terrible,  and  directed  with 


332 

the  greatest  precision  and  coolness.  In  sailing  master  Percivai, 
whose  great  wish  and  pride  is  to  obtain  a  lieutenant's  commission, 
and  whose  unremitting  and  constant  attention  to  duty,  added  to 
his  professional  knowledge,  entitle  him  to  it  in  my  opinion,  I  found 
an  able  as  well  as  willing  assistant.  He  handled  the  ship  as  if 
he  had  been  working  her  into  a  roadstead.  Mr.  David  Cole,  acting 
carpenter,  I  have  also  found  such  an  able  and  valuable  man  in  his 
occupation,  that  I  must  request,  in  the  most  earnest  manner,  that 
he  may  receive  a  warrant :  for  I  feel  confident  that  to  his  uncom 
mon  exertions,  we,  in  a  great  measure,  owe  the  getting  our  prize 
into  port  From  11  A.  M.  to  6  P.  M.  he  was  over  her  side  stop 
ping  shot  holes,  on  a  grating,  and  when  the  ordinary  resources 
failed  of  success,  his  skill  soon  supplied  him  with  efficient  ones. 
Mr.  Philip  Myers,  master's  mate,  has  also  conducted  himself  in 
such  a  manner  as  to  warrant  my  recommendation  of  him  as  a 
master.  He  is  a  seaman,  navigator,  and  officer;  his  family  in 
New  York  is  respectable,  and  he  would  prove  an  acquisition  to 
the  service.  My  clerk,  Mr.  John  S.  Townsend,  is  anxious  to 
obtain,  through  my  means,  a  midshipman's  warrant^  and  has  taken 
pains  to  qualify  himself  for  it,  by  volunteering  and  constantly 
performing  a  midshipman's  duty.  Indeed  I  have  but  little  use 
for  a  clerk,  and  he  is  as  great  a  proficient  as  any  of  the  young 
midshipmen,  the  whole  of  whom  behaved  in  a  manner  that  was 
pleasing  to  me,  and  must  be  gratifying  to  you,  as  it  gives  an  ear 
nest  of  what  they  will  make  in  time;  three  only  have  been  to  sea 
before,  and  one  only  in  a  man  of  war ;  yet  they  are  as  much  at 
home,  and  as  much  disposed  to  exert  themselves,  as  any  officer  of 
the  ship.  Lieutenant  Nicolson  speaks  in  high  terms  of  the  con 
duct  of  Messrs.  Greeves  and  Rodgers  (midshipmen)  who  were  m 
the  prize  with  him. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

L.  WARRINGTON, 
Honourable  William  Jones. 


Extract  of  a  letter  from  Commodore  Chauncey  to  the  Secretary  of 

the 


STATES*  SHIP  GENERAL  PIKE,  SACKETT'S  HARBOR, 

Mfiy  7th,  1814. 

«*  I  received  a  letter  from  captain  Woolsey  last  evening,  dated 
at  6  o'clock  P.  M.  on  the  5th  instant.  The  enemy  had  been 
cannonading  Oswego  about  three  hours  when  the  express  came 
away,  without  doing  any  injury.  He  had  been  twice  repulsed  in 
his  attempt  to  land,  ancl  the  officers  and  men  in  high  spirits,  and 
expected  to  be  able  to  hold  out  until  reinforcements  arrived. 
Colonel  Mitchell  and  captain  Woolsey  are  both  excellent  officers, 
and  I  may  say,  without  disparagement  to  any  other  corps,  that  the 
34  regiment  of  artillery  is  pae  of  the  best  disciplined  corps  in-  th;, 


333 


army,  and  Is  remarkable  for  the  great  number  of  scientific  and 
correct  officers  in  it — we  therefore  may  e>;pect  a  most  gallant  de 
fence  of  Osvvego,  If  the  enemy  has  succeeded  in  taking  the  place, 
he  has  paid  dearly  for  it.  The  attack,  I  presume,  was  renewed 
yesterday  morning,  as  the  guns  we  heard  distinctly  at  this  place 
from  morning  until  about  2  P.  M.  when  the  firinsfceased." 


UNITED   STATES'  SHIP  GENERAL  PIKE,  SACKP.TT'S  HARBOR, 

May  7th,  5  o'clock  P.  M.  1814. 

SIR, 

The  enemy's  fleet  passed  in  sight  about  an  hour  since,  at  a 
great  distance,  and  standing  for  Kingston.  We  have  several 
vague  reports,  that  the  enemy  landed  from  1500  to  3000  men, 
and  that  they  carried  the  fort  at  Osvvego  by  stoim  and  put  the 
garrison  to  the  sword:  others,  that  the  garrison,  with  captain 
Woolsey  and  seamen,  surrendered,  and  that  the  enemy  was 
marching  to  the  falls.  All  these  reports  are  unquestionably 
much  exaggerated,  and  if  it  should  turn  out  that  Oswego  lias  been 
taken,  it  will  be  found  that  the  troops  and  seamen  did  their  du 
ty,  and  that  the  enemy  has  paid  dearly  for  the  place. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

ISAAC  CHAUNCEY. 
Honourable  W.  Jones,  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 


GENERAL  ORDERS. 

HEAD  QUARTERS,  SACKETT'S  HARBOR,  May  12th,  1814. 

Major  general  Brown  has  the  satisfaction  of  announcing  to  the 
troops  of  his  division,  that  the  detachment  under  the  command  of 
lieutenant  colonel  Mitchell,  of  the  corps  of  artillery,  have,  by  their 
gallant  and  military  conduct  on  the  5th  and  6th  instant,  gained  a 
name  in  arms  worthy  of  the  nation  they  serve  and  the  cause  they 
support.  For  nearly  two  days  they  maintained  an  unequal  con 
test  against  ten  times  their  numbers,  and  but  yielded  their  post 
when  the  interest  of  their  country  made  that  measure  necessary. 

The  companies  composing  this  gallant  detachment  were  Boyle's, 
Romayne's,  M'Intires,  and  Pierce's,  of  the  heavy  artillery,  and  a 
few  seamen  under  the  command  of  lieutenant  Pearce  of  the 
navy — in  all,  less  than  three  hundred  men.  The  enemy's  force 
by  land  and  water  exceeded  three  thousand. 


HEAD  QUARTERS,  SACKETT'S  HARBOR, 

May  12lh,  1814 

SIR. 

Enclosed  is  an  abstract  from  the  report  of  lieutenant  colonel 
Mitchell,  of  the  affair  atOswego.     Being  well  satisfied  with  the 


334 

manner  in  which  the  colonel  executed  my  orders,  and  with  the 
evidence  given  of  steady  discipline  and  gallant  conduct  on  the 
part  of  the  troops,  I  have  noticed  them  in  the  general  order,  a 
copy  of  which  is  enclosed. 

The  enemy's  object  was  the  naval  and  military  stores  deposit 
ed  at  the  falls,  10  miles  in  the  rear  of  the  fort.  These  were  pro 
tected.  The  stores  at  the  fort  and  village  were  not  important. 

I  am,  &c. 

JACOB  BROWN,  mo/,  gen. 
Hon.  Secretary  at  War. 


LIEUTENANT  COLONEL  MITCHELL'S  REPORT. 

I  informed  you  of  my  arrival  at  fort  Oswego  on  the  30th  ulti 
mo.  This  post  being  but  occasionally  and  not  recently  occupied 
by  regular  troops,  was  in  a  bad  state  of  defence.  Of  cannon  we 
had  but  five  old  guns,  three  of  which  had  lost  their  trunnions — 
what  could  be  done  in  the  way  of  repair  was  effected—new  plat 
forms  were  laid,  the  gun  carriages  put  in  order,  and  decayed 
pickets  replaced.  On  the  fifth  instant  the  British  naval  force, 
consisting  of  4  large  ships,  3  brigs  and  a  number  of  gun  and 
other  boats,  were  descried  at  reveille  beating  about  7  miles  from 
the  fort.  Information  was  immediately  given  to  captain  Wool- 
sey  of  the  navy,  (  who  was  at  Oswego  village)  and  to  the  neigh 
boring  militia.  It  being  doubtful  on  what  side  of  the  river  the 
enemy  would  attempt  to  land,  and  my  force  (290  effectives)  being 
too  small  to  bear  division,  I  ordered  the  tents  to  be  pitched  on  the 
village  side,  while  I  occupied  the  other  with  my  whole  force.  It 
is  probable  that  this  artifice  had  ita  effect  and  determined  the  en 
emy  to  attack  where,  from  appearances,  they  expected  the  least 
opposition.  About  one  o'clock  the  fleet  approached.  Fifteen 
boats,  large  and  crowded  with  troops,  at  a  given  signal,  moved 
slowly  to  the  shore.  These  were  preceded  by  gun  boats  sent  to 
rake  the  woods  and  cover  the  landing,  while  the  larger  vessels 
opened  a  fire  upon  the  fort.  Captain  Boyle,  and  lieutenant  Le 
gate,  (so  soon  as  the  debarking  boats  got  within  range  of  our 
shot]  opened  upon  them  a  very  successful  fire  from  the  shore 
battery,  and  compelled  them  twice  to  retire.  They  at  length 
returned  to  the  ships,  and  the  whole  stood  oft'  from  the  shore  for 
better  anchorage.  One  of  the  enemy's  boats,  which  had  been 
deserted,  was  taken  up  by  us,  and  some  others  by  the  militia. 
The  first  mentioned  was  sixty  feet  long,  and  carried  thirty-six 
oars  and  three  sails,  and  could  accommodate  150  men.  She  had 
received  a  ball  through  her  bow,  and  was  nearly  filled  with 
water. 

Picket  guards  were  stationed  at  different  points,  and  we  lay  on 
our  arms  during  the  night. 


.335 

At  day  break  on  the  6th  the  fleet  appeared,  bearing  up  under 
easy  sail.  The  Wolfe,  &c.  took  a  position  directly  against  the 
fort  and  batteries,  and  for  3  hours  kept  up  a  heavy  fire  of  grape, 
&c.  Finding  that  the  enemy  had  effected  a  landing,  I  withdrew 
my  small  disposable  force  into  the  rear  of  the  fort,  and  with  two 
companies,  (Romayne's  and  Melvin's)  met  their  advancing  col 
umns,  while  the  other  companies  engaged  the  flanks  of  the  ene 
my.  Lieutenant  Pierce  of  the  navy  and  some  seamen,  joined  in 
the  attack,  and  fought  with  their  characteristic  bravery.  We 
maintained  our  ground  about  30  minutes,  and  as  long  as  consist 
ed  with  my  farther  duty  of  defending  the  public  stores  deposit 
ed  at  the  falls,  which  no  doubt  formed  the  principal  object  of 
the  expedition  on  the  part  of  the  enemy.  Nor  was  this  move 
ment  made  precipitately.  I  halted  within  400  yards  of  the  fort. 
Captain  Romayne's  company  formed  the  rear  guard,  and,  remain 
ing  with  it,  I  marched  to  this  place  in  good  order,  destroying  the 
bridges  in  my  rear.  The  enemy  landed  600  of  De  Watteville's 
regiment,  600  marines,  two  companies  of  the  Glengary  corps,  and 
350  seamen. 

General  Drummond  and  commodore  Yeo  were  the  land  and 
naval  commanders.  They  burned  the  old  barracks  and  evacu 
ated  the  fort  about  3  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  the  7th. 

Our  loss  in  killed,  is  6  ;  in  wounded  38 — and  in  missing  25. 
That  of  the  enemy  is  much  greater.  Deserters,  and  citizens  of 
ours  taken  prisoners  and  afterwards  released,  state  their  killed  at 
64  and  wounded  in  proportion — among  them  are  several  land  and 
navy  officers  of  merit. 

I  cannot  close  this  despatch  without  speaking  of  the  dead  and 
the  living  of  my  detachment.  Lieutenant  Blaney,  a  young  man 
of  much  promise,  was  unfortunately  killed.  His'  conduct  in  the 
action  was  highly  meritorious.  Captain  Boyle  and  lieutenant 
Legate  merit  my  highest  approbation,  and  indeed  I  want  lan 
guage  to  express  my  admiration  of  their  gallant  conduct.  The 
subalterns  M'Comb,  Ansart,  King,  Robb,  Earl,  M'Clintock  and 
Newkirk,  performed  well  their  several  parts. 

It  would  be  injustice  were  I  not  to  acknowledge  and  report  the 
zeal  and  patriotism  evinced  by  the  militia,  who  arrived  at  a  short 
notice,  and  were  anxious  to  be  useful. 


Extract  of  a  letter  from  captain  Macdonough  to  the  Secretary' of 

the  Navy 

"  VERGENNES,  May  14th,  1814. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  inform  you,  that  an  engagement  between 
our  battery  at  the  mouth  of  Otter  Creek,  and  eight  of  the  ene 
my's  galleys,  with  a  bomb-vessel,  has  terminated  by  the  retreat 
of  the  enemy,  who  it  is  supposed  came  with  an  intention  of 
blockading  us. 


"  The  battery,  commanded  by  captain  Thornton  of  the  artil 
lery,  who  was  gallantly  assisted  by  lieutenant  Casseri  of  the  navy, 
received  but  little  injury,  although  a  number  of  shells  were 
thrown,  and  many  lodged  in  the  parapet. 

"  Colonel  Davis*  was  advantageously  posted  to  receive  the  ene 
my  in  the  event  of  his  landing,  which  we  had  reason  to  expect, 
as  his  new  brig,  with  several  other  gallies,  and  four  other  sloops, 
were  within  two  and  a  half  miles  of  the  point,  on  which  the  bat- 
tery  standsj  during  the  action,  which  lasted  one  hour  and  a  half, 
v/hen  they  all  stood  off,  and  were  seen  passing  Burlington  for  the 
northward.  Every  exertion  was  made  to  get  the  vessels  down  to 
the  creek,  which,  however,  we  could  not  effect  until  the  enemy 
had  withdrawn.  Our  whole  force  is  now  at  the  creek's  mouth, 
with  the  exception  of  the  schooner,  and  she  will  be  down  also  in 
the  course  of  four  or  five  days." 


Extract  of  a  letter  from  captain  Macdonough  to  the  Secretary  of 

the  Navy. 

"VERGENNES,  May  18th,  1814, 

"  I  omitted  stating  in  my  letter  of  the  14th,  that  the  enemy 
had  two  fine  row-boats  shot  adrift  from  their  gallies  in  the  action 
-with  the  battery,  which,  in  their  precipitate"  retreat,  were  left, 
and  picked  up  bvus. 


have  since  learned,  that  in  other  parts  of  the  lake  they  were 
much  cut  up  by  the  militia.  Two  of  their  gallies,  in  passing  up 
a  small  river,  on  the  New  York  side,  had  nearly  all  their  men 
killed  and  wounded*" 


NEW  YOIIK,  May  29th,  1814. 
SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  inform  you,  that  on  the  19th,  I  disco 
vered  the  enemy  in  pursuit  of  a  brig  under  American  colours, 
standing  for  Sandy  Hook.  I  ordered  a  detachment  of  eleven  gun 
boats  to  proceed  to  sea,  and  pass  between  the  chase  and  the  erie- 
my,  by  which  means  to  bring  him  to  action,  and  give  opportunity 
to  the  chase  to  escape,  all  which  was  effected;  the  enemy,  after 
receiving  my  fire,  bore  away,  and  the  brig  in  question,  entering 
the  harbour,  proved  to  be  the  brig  Regent  from  France,  with  a 
Very  valuable  cargo. 

And  on  Monday  the  23d,  I  engaged  the  enemy  before  New 
London,  and  opened  a  passage  for  torty  sail  of  coasting  vessels ; 
the  action  lasted  three  hours,  in  which  the  Flotilla  suffered  very 
little;  No.  6  received  a  shot  under  water,  and  others  through 
the  j-ails :  we  have  reason  to  believe,  that  the  enemy  suffered  very 
great  injury,  as  he.  appeared  uii'.ulliug  to'  renew  the  action  tlve 


337 

following  morning;  my  object  was  accomplished,  which  was  te 
force  a  passage  for  the  convoy.  There  are  before  New  London, 
three  seventy-fours,  four  frigates,  and  several  small  vessels,  the 
latter  doing  great  injury  from  their  disguised  character,  and  supe 
rior  sailing. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

J.  LEWIS. 

Hon.  Wm.  Jones,  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 


UNITED  STATES'  SHIP  SUPERIOR,  SACKETT'S  H  \RBOR, 

June  2d,  1314. 
SIR, 

Finding  it  a  most  difficult  task  to  transport  our  heavy  guns 
on  by  land,  I  determined  to  get  them  to  Stony  Creek  by  water, 
when  we  should  have  only  about  three  miles,  land  carriage,  to 
transport  them  to  Henderson's  Harbor,  from  which  we  could 
bring  them  to  this  place  by  water.  I  directed  captain  Woolsey 
to  send  all  the  stores,  except  the  heavy  guns,  up  to  Forth  Bay, 
and  to  place  the  guns  in  boats  ready  to  move  up  or  down  the'  river, 
but  to  be  ready  to  start  at  a  moment's  notice  for  Sandy  Creek,  when 
ever  the  coast  is  clear  of  the  enemy's  gun-boats,which  hovered  about 
the  creeks  in  Mexico  Bay.  On  the  evening  of  the  28th,  captain 
Woolsey,  started  from  Oswego  with  eighteen  boats,  containing  all 
our  heavy  guns,  twelve  cables,  and  a  quantity  of  shot.  Major 
Appling,  of  the  rifle  corps,  accompanied  the  boats  with  about 
130  riflemen.  I  had  also  engaged  130  Indians  to  traverse  the 
shore,  for  the  purpose  of  protecting  the  boats  if  chased  on  shore, 
or  into  any  of  the  creeks.  Captain  Woolsey  proceeded  unmo 
lested  to  Sandy  Creek,  where  he  arrived  about  noon  on  Sunday 
the  29th,  witli  one  boat  missing,  containing  one  cable  and  two 
twenty -four-pounders.  As  soon  as  I  received  information  of  the 
arrival  of  the  boats  at  Sandy  Creek,  the  general,  at  my  request, 
despatched  two  pieces  of  artillery,  and  captain  Harris's  company 
of  dragoons.  Yesterday  morning,  I  ordered  captain  Smith  with 
about  220  marines  to  Sandy  Creek,  and  general  Gaines  very  po 
litely  offered  an  additional  force  of  about  300  artillery  and  infan 
try,  under  the  command  of  that  excellent  officer,  colonel  Mitchell, 
to  the  same  place;  but  before  this  force  could  reach  the  creek, 
the  enemy  \vas  discovered  in  chase  of  our  look-out  boats,  and 
entered  the  creek  a  little  after  day -light;  they  landed  and  recon- 
noitered  the  shore  :  a  part  of  their  force  marched  up  on  each  side 
of  the^creek,  while  their  gun-boats  ascended  cautiously,  occasion 
ally  firing  into  the  woods.  Major  Appling  disposed  of  his  force 
in  the  most  judicious  manner,  and  permitted  the  enemy  to  ap 
proach  within  a  few  yards  of  his  ambuscade,  when  the  riflemen 
and  Indians  opened  a  most  destructive  fire  up  on  the  enemy, 
which  obliged  them  to  surrender  in  about  ten  minutes,  with  the 
loss  of  a  number  of  killed  and  wounded,  and  seven  boats  taken, 
43 


388 

mounting  six,  eight,  twenty -four,  eighteen,  and  twelve  pounders, 
with  some  smaller  guns. 

The  number  of  officers  and  men  which  the  enemy  entered  the 
creek  with,  were  about  200,  but  the  number  killed,  wounded, 
and  taken  prisoners,  1  am  still  ignorant  of,  as  no  return  has  been 
made  to  me ;  amongst  the  prisoners,  however,  are  two  post  cap 
tains,  four  lieutenants,  and  two  lieutenants  of  the  marines. 

The  conduct  of  major  Appling,  and  the  troops  under  his  com 
mand,  has  been  highly  honourable,  and  they  are  entitled  to  my 
warm  acknowledgments  for  the  zeal  and  ability  with  which  they 
have  defended  tne  guns  and  stores  for  this  station. 

I  have  made  arrangements  for  transporting  the  guns  from  San 
dy  Creek  by  land,  which  is  about  sixteen  miles.  I  hope  to  have 
them  all  here  before  the  10th. 

I  inclose  herewith  for  your  information,  captain  Woolsey's  re~ 
port  of  his  proceedings. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

ISAAC  CHAUNCEY* 
Hon.  Wm.  Junes,  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 


(iNCLOSURE.) 

S ACKETT'S  HARBOR,  June  1st,  1814, 
SIR, 

I  have  already  had  the  honour  to  inform  you  of  the  affair  at 
Sandy  Creek  on  the  SOth  ultimo,  but  for  want  of  time  at  that 
juncture,  I  had  it  not  in  my  power  to  give  you  the  particulars, 
and  as  the  most  of  my  communication  since  measures  were  adopt 
ed  for  a  push  from  Oswego  Falls  to  Sandy  Creek,  with  the  naval 
stores,  have  been  made  in  great  haste,  I  avail  myself  of  a  leisure 
moment  to  make  a  report  in  detail  of  my  proceedings  since  that 
period.  On  the  17th  I  despatched  Mr.  Huginan  to  Mexico,  to 
hire  a  number  of  ox-teams,  and  to  engage  a  quantity  of  forage,  &c, 
I  also  sent  orders  to  Oswego  Falls  to  have  an  additional  number 
of  large  wheels  made  for  transporting  the  guns  and  cables  back 
across  the  portage,  and  caused  reports  to  be  circulated  in  every 
direction  that  I  had  received  your  orders  to  send  all  the  naval 
stores  to  Oneida  lake,  with  all  possible  expedition.  On  the  morn- 
infr  of  the  28th,  when  these  reports  were  well  in  circulation,  and 
when  (as  I  have  since  heard  from  good  authority)  they  had  been 
detailed  to  sir  James,  I  had  the  honour  to  receive  per  express  your 
communication  of  the  27th,  vesting  in  me  discretionary  powers, 
I  immediately  despatched  Mr.  Dixon  in  the  long  gig  to  reconnoitre 
the  coast.  I  went  with  my  officers  to  the  falls,  to  run  the  boats  down 
over  the  rapids.  At  sun-set  we  arrived  at  Oswego  with  the  boats 
(19  in  number)  loaded  in  all  with  21  long  thirty-two  pounders,  10 
twent)  -four  pounders,  3  forty-two  ditto  (carronades)  and  10  cables, 
besides  some  light  articles,  and  distributed  in  the  batteaux  a  guard 
of  about  150  riflemen,  under  command  of  major  Appling.  Mr, 


Dixon  having  returned  with  a  report  ol  the  coast  being  clear,  wt 
set  oft* at  dark  and  arrived  at  Big  Salmon  river  about  sun-rise  oh 
the  29th,  with  the  loss  of  one  boat  having  on  board  2  twenty -four 
pounders  and  one  cable.  I  cannot  account  for  her  having  sepa 
rated  from  us,  as  every  possible  exertion  was  made  to  keep  the 
brigade  as  compact  as  possible* 

At  Big  Salmon  we  met  the  Oneidas,  whom  I  had  despatched  the 
day  previous,  under  the  command  of  lieutenant  Hill,  of  the  rifle 
regiment.  As  soon  as  they  had  taken  up  their  line  of  march  along 
the  shore  of  Big  Sandy  creek,  I  started  with  all  the  boats  and 
arrived  at  noon  at  our  place  of  destination  about  two  miles  up  the 
creek.  In  this  laborious  and  hazardous  duty,  I  feel  much  indebted 
to  major  Appling,  his  officers,  and  men,  for  their  exertions,  having 
assisted  my  officers  and  seamen  in  rowing  the  boats  without  a 
moment's  rest,  twelve  hours,  and  about  half  the  time  enveloped 
in  darkness  and  deluged  with  rain  ;  also,  to  some  of  the  principal 
inhabitants  of  Oswego,  who  volunteered  their  services  as  pilots. 
At  2  A.  M.  on  the  30th,  I  received  your  letter  of  the  29th,  G 
P.  M.  per  express,  and  agreeably  to  the  order  contained  therein, 
sent  lieutenant  Pierce  to  look  out  as  far  as  Stony  Point.  About 
2  o'clock  he  returned,  having  been  pursued  by  a  gun  boat  and  three 
barges.  The  best  possible  disposition  was  made  of  the  riflemen 
and  Indians,  about  half  a  mile  below  our  boats.  About  8  A.  M. 
a  cannonading  at  long  shot  was  commenced  by  the  enemy,  and 
believing,  as  I  did,  that  no  attempt  would  be  made  to  land  with 
their  small  force,  I  ordered  lieutenant  Pierce  to  proceed  in  erect 
ing  sheers  and  making  preparations  to  unload  the  boats  ;  and,  as 
all  the  teams  had  retrograded  in  consequence  of  the  cannonading, 
I  sent  in  pursuit  of  them  to  return.  About  9  o'clock  captain  Har 
ris,  with  a  squadron  of  dragoons,  and  captain  Melvin,  with  a  com 
pany  of  light  artillery  and  two  six  pounders,  arrived.  Captain 
Harris,  the  commanding  officer,  agreed  with  me  that  this  reinforce 
ment  should  halt,  as  the  troops  best  calculated  for  a  bush  fight 
were  already  on  the  ground,  where  they  could  act  to  the  greatest 
advantage,  and  that  the  enemy,  seeing  a  large  reinforcement  ar 
rive,  would  most  probably  retreat.  About  10,  the  enemy  having 
landed  and  pushed  up  the  creek  with  three  gun-boats,  three  cutters, 
and  one  gig;  the  riflemen,  under  that  excellent  officer,  major 
Appling,  rose  from  their  concealment,  and  after  a  smart  fire  of 
about  ten  minutes,  succeeded  in  capturing  all  the  boats  and  their 
crews,  without  one  having  escaped. 

At  about  5  P.  M.  after  having  buried  with  the  honours  of  war,, 
Mr.  Hoare,  a  British  midshipman,  killed  in  the  action,  I  was  re 
lieved  by  captain  Ridgely,  whom  you  did  me  the  honour  to  send 
to  Sandy  Creek  for  that  purpose.  All  the  prisoners,  except  the 
wounded,  having  been  removed,  and  expecting  another  attack  at 
night,  I  remained  to  assist  captain  Ridgely  in  that  event :  but 
yesterday  morning,  seeing  nothing  in  the  offing,  1  availed  myself 
of  my  relief,  and  returned  to  this  place.  In  performing,  t*  th* 


346 

best  of  my  abilities,  the  duties  for  which  I  was  ordered  to  Oswega 
Falls,  1  have  great  satisfaction  in  acknowledging  the  unremitted 
exertions  of  lieutenant  Pierce,  sailing-master  Vaughan,  and  mid 
shipmen  Mackey,  Hart,  and  Caton ;  also  to  major  Appling,  his 
officers  and  men,  for  their  kind  assistance  in  the  same  duty. 

The  report  of  killed,  wounded,  and  prisoners,  and  also  the 
number  and  description  of  the  captured  boats,  has  been  already 
remitted  by  captain  Ridgely  and  myself. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  £c. 

M.  F.  WOOLSEY. 
Commodore  Isaac  Chauncey, 

commanding1  U.  S.  forces  on  the  Lakes. 


Extract  of  a  letter  from  commodore  Barney  to  the  Secretary  of 

the  Navy. 

«ST.  LEONARD'S  CREEK,  June  lltb,  1814. 

"  SIR, 

"  My  last  was  on  the  9th  instant.  On  the  evening  of  the  9th, 
the  enemy  moved  up  with  twenty  barges,  having  received  more 
force  from  the  74,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Patuxent.  I  met  them, 
and  after  a  short  action  drove  them  until  dark,  and  return 
ed  to  my  anchorage.  Yesterday  they  made  a  bold  attempt ; 
about  2  P.  M.  they  moved  up  with  twenty -one  barges,  one 
rocket  barge,  and  two  schooners  in  tow.  On  making  their  ap 
pearance,  we  went  down  on  them ;  they  kept  up  a  smart  fire  for 
sometime,  and  seemed  determined  to  do  something  decisive.  But 
they  soon  gave  way  and  retreated  ;  we  pursued  them  down  the 
ereek.  At  the  mouth  lay  the  eighteen  gun  schooner ;  she  attempt 
ed  to  beat  out,  but  our  ft  re  was  so  se\  ere,  she  ran  ashore  at  the 
entrance,  and  was  abandoned.  We  still  pursued,  untiltheraz.ee 
and  brig  opened  upon  us  a  brisk  fire,  which  completely  covered 
the  schooner  and  the  flying  barges,  &c.  We  must  have  done  them 
considerable  damage." 


Extract  ^of  a  letter  from  commodore  Barney  to  the  Secretary  of 

the  Navy. 

"  ST.  LEONARD'S  CREEK,  June  13th,  1814. 

"  I  hadthehonour  of  addressing  you  on  the  1 1th  instant,  giving 
a  short  detail  of  our  action  with  the  enemy  on  the  10th.  By  in 
formation,  they  suffered  much.  The  large  schooner  was  nearly 
destroyed,  having  several  shot  through  her  at  the  water's  edge ; 
her  deck  torn  up,  gun  dismounted,  and  main-mast  nearly  cut  off 
about  half-way  up,  and  rendered  unserviceable.  She  was  other 
wise  much  cut;  they  ran  her  ashore  to  prevent  her  sinking.  The 


341 

commodore's  boat  was  cut  in  two;  a  shot  went  through  the  rocket* 
boat;  one  of  the  small  schooners,  carrying  two  32  pounders,  had 
a  shot  which  raked  her  from  aft,  forward  ;  the  boats,  generally, 
sutfered  ;  but  I  have  not  ascertained  what  loss  they  sustained  in 
men. 

"  Yesterday  a  gentleman  of  this  county,  by  the  name  of  Parron, 
who  lives  at  the  mouth  of  the  creek,  came  up,  and  said,  that  him 
self  and  brother  had  been  taken  and  carried  on  board.  That  he 
had  been  landed  from  the  commodore,  to  inform  the  inhabitants, 
that  if  they  remained  at  home  quietly,  they  should  not  be  molested,, 
but  if  on  la.iding  he  found  their  houses  deserted,  he  would  burn 
them  all,  as  he  had  done  the  house  of  a  Mr.  Patterson,  and  the 
barn  of  Mr.  Skinner  (our  purser).  Saturday  and  yesterday,  the 
enemy  were  employed  on  the  Patuxent  River,  in  landing  on  the 
banks  to  plunder  stock,  &c.  It  was  on  Sunday  evening  they  burnt 
the  property  of  Mr.  Patterson  and  Skinner.  Mr.  Parron  informs 
me,  that  commodore  Bnrrie,  of  the  Dragon,  always  commanded, 
and  is  much  disappointed  at  his  defeats,  for  that  he  had  wrote  to 
admiral  Cockburn,  that  if  the  admiral  would  send  him  a  frigate 
and  brig,  he  would  most  assuredly  destroy  the  Flotilla.  The  fri 
gate  is  the  Acasta,  the  brig  the  Jasseur.  They  left  only  200  men, 
and  one  small  boat  on  board  the  Dragon,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Pa^ 
tuxent,  so  that  there  must  have  been  in  the  affair  on  Friday,  up 
wards  of  800  men  !  They  came  with  a  band  of  music  •playing*"'' 


UNITED  STATES'  SHIP  SUPERIOR  SACKETT'S  HARP.OT?, 

June  20th,  18r4. 

SIR, 

Knowing  that  the  enemy  was  constantly  receiving  naval  and 
military  stores  at  Kingston,  by  the  St.  Lawrence,  I  thought  it 
might  be  practicable  to  surprise  and  capture  a  brigade  of  boats 
w-th  stores  on  board,  and  either  destroy  or  bring  them  olf.  For 
this  purpose  1  directed  lieutenant  Gregory  to  take  three  gigs  with 
only  their  crew  and  one  settee  in  each  boat,  and  proceed  down 
the  St.  Lawrence,  secrete  himself  on  some  of  the  islands,  and 
watch  a  favourable  opportunity  to  surprise  a  brigade  of  loaded 
boats,  and  either  bring  them  oft'  or  destroy  them,  as  circumstances 
would  point  out. 

Lieutenant  Gregory  left  here  with  his  party  on  the  evening  of 
the  15th  instant,  and  proceeded  to  the  "  Thousand  Islands,"  where 
he  hauled  his  boats  on  shore  and  concealed  them  :  saw  two  bri- 
gavies  of  boats  pass,  one  up  the  river  with  troops,  of  course  too 
strong  for  our  little  party;  the  other  down  the  river  empty,  and 
not  worth  taking. 

Lieutenant  Gregory  found  the  enemy  had  gun-boats  stationed 
between  Kingston  and  Prescott,  within  about  six  miles  of  each 
othar,  and  that  they  had  a  telegraph  look  out,  in  almost  every  higk. 
island,  so  that  they  convey  intelligence  with  groat  expedition.  ° 


34* 

Yesterday  morning,  between  9  and  10  o'clock,  lieutenant  Ore 
gory  finding  himself  discovered,  and  a  gun -boat  close  to  him,  he 
instantly  formed  the  bold  design  to  board  her,  which  he  did,  and 
carried  her  without  losing  a  man :  one  of  the  enemy  was  badly 
wounded.  She  proved  to  be  the  fine  gun-boat  Black  Snake  or 
Number  9,  and  mounted  one  eighteen  pounder  and  manned 
with  18  men,  chiefly-royal  marines,  (a  list  of  which  is  enclosed). 
Lieutenant  Gregory  manned  his  prize  and  proceeded  up  the  St. 
Lawrence,  but  Was  soon  discovered  and  pursued  by  a  very  large 
gun-boat  mounting  two  heavy  £juns  and  rowed  with  upwards  of 
forty  oars,  which  overhauled  him  fast.  He  kept  possession  of 
his  prize  until  the  enemy  threw  their  shot  over  him  ;  he  then  very 
reluctantly  (but  I  think  properly)  took  out  all  his  prisoners  and 
scuttled  the  gun-boat,  which  sunk  instantly,  and  escaped  the  ene 
my  although  so  heavily  loaded.  Lieutenant  Gregory  arrived  safe 
this  morning  with  all  his  prisoners. 

Permit  me  to  recommend  this  gallant  young  officer  to  your 
notice  arid  patronage.  He  is  not  surpassed  by  any  of  his  grade 
in  zeal,  intelligence,  and  intrepidity.  Sailing  master  Vaughan 
and  Mr.  Dixon,  each  commanding  a  gig  under  lieutenant  Gregory, 
are  entitled  to  my  acknowledgments  for  their  zeal  and  activity 
on  all  occasions  to  render  service  to  their  country,  more  particu 
larly  on  the  last  expedition,  when,  from  their  knowledge  of  the 
river,  they  rendered  the  most  important  services  by  pointing  out 
the  proper  channels  to  elude  the  pursuit  of  the  enemy. 

Will  you  be  pleased  to  direct  in  what  mariner  the  prisoners  are 
to  be  disposed  of. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

ISAAC  CHAUNCEY. 
Secretary  of  the  Navy. 


Extract  of  a   letter  from  general  P.  Stuart,  of  the  Maryland 
militia,  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  dated  June,  23d,  1814. 

"  I  have  ordered  on  to  Washington,  under  an  officer  who  is 
directed  upon  his  arrival  to  report  himself  to  you,  five  prisoners 
and  one  deserter.  The  prisoners  were  taken  on  the  21st  instant 
by  a  detachment  of  Maryland  militia  under  my  command,  aided 
by  a  squadron  of  horse  from  the  district  of  Columbia,  under  the 
command  of  major  Peter. 

"  The  cruel  course  of  war  waged  by  the  enemy  upon  our  exten 
sive  water  courses,  has  forced  me  to  call  into  service  a  great 
body  of  our  militia. 

"I  must  express  my  thanks  for  the  aid  so  promptly  sent  from 
vour  department.  It  was  a  source  of  considerable  regret  that 
major  Peter  of  the  artillery,  notwithstanding  his  great  exertions, 
could  not  join  us  till  morning.  By  his  aid,  I  feel  confident  we 
could  have  destroyed  the  enemy's  schooner  sent  up  to  take  oft' 


343 


the  residue  of  the  tobacco.  Major  Peter's  squadron  acted  with 
promptitude  and  ardor,  displaying  a  temper  which  will  ren 
der  them  essentially  useful  to  the  nation.  The  frequent  injuries 
which  arise  to  the  service  from  intelligence  communicated  to  the 
enemy,  have  determined  me  to  suffer  no  deserter  to  remain  with 
in  my  command," 


Sunday,  June  25th,  1814.— 10  A.  M. 
SIR, 

This  morning,  at  4  A.  M.  a  combined  attack  of  the  artille 
ry,  marine  corps  and  flotilla,  was  made  upon  the  enemy's  two 
frigates,  at  the  mouth  of  the  creek.  After  two  hours  engage 
ment,  they  got  under  way  and  made  sail  down  the  river.  They 
are  now  warping  round  Point  Patience,  and  I  am  now  moving  up 
the  Patuxent  with  my  flotilla.  My  floss  is  acting  midshipman 
Asquith  killed,  and  ten  others  killed  and  wounded. 

Mr.  Blake,*   the  bearer  of  this,  was  a  volunteer  in  my  barge. 
He  will  give  you  every  other  information. 

With  respect,  &c. 

JOSHUA  BARNEY. 
The  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 


PHILADELPHIA,  June  25th,  1814, 

SIR, 

On  Sunday  last  the  British  frigate  Belvidera  captured  a  small 
schooner  belonging  to  Indian  river,  about  ten  miles  above  Cape 
Henlopen;  and  after  having  her  in  possession  thirty -four  hours, 
ransomed  her  for  800  dollars.  I  was  yesterday  morning  on  the 
eve  of  leaving  this,  with  about  30  officers  and  men,  who  are  em 
ployed  here  in  the  equipment  of  the  Guerriere,  to  join  the  flotilla, 
but  received  information  that  the  Belvidera  left  the  bay  on  the  2ist. 
The  flotilla  is  down  as  low  as  Egg  Island  Flats,  from  which  it 
came  up  to  New  Castle  only  the  day  before  the  Belvidera  came 
into  the  Bay,  for  the  purpose  of  replenishing  its  provisions. 

With  great  respect,  &c. 

JOHN  RODGERS. 
The  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 


CAMP  NEAR  ST.  LEONARD'S,  June  26th,  1814. 

SIR, 

We  decided  on  attacking  the  enemy  this  morning  at  day 
break  ;  after  two   and  a  half  or   three  hours   cannonading,  he 

*  Mr.  T.  P.  Andrews,  of  Washington,  accompanied  Mr.  Blake  ;  they  both 
acted  as  captains  of  marines,  under  major  William  B.  Barney. — Edit, 


344 

thought  proper  to  retreat  down  the  river,  and  commodore  Barney 
has  taken  advantage  of  his  absence  to  pass  his  flotilla  up  the  Pa- 
tuxent.  I  was  constrained  to  precipitate  the  attack  before  I  was 
fully  prepared,  from  the  circumstance  of  all  the  enemy's  small 
vessels  having  left  the  river.  The  ground  I  was  obliged  to  occu 
py  for  a  battery,  consisted  of  a  high  bluff  point,  having  thePatux- 
ent  on  the  right,  and  St.  Leonard's  Creek  on  the  left,  with  which 
the  communication  was  over  a  flat  piece  of  ground,  subject  to  be 
enfiladed  from  the  Patuxent,  and  the  hill  on  which  the  guns  were 
to  be  placed,  liable  to  a  severe  fire  from  the  same  quarter;  there- 
lore,  in  case  of  an  attack,  the  enemy  might  have  rendered  our 
situation  very  uncomfortable,  by  stationing  a  small  vessel  so  as  to 
command  the  low  ground  I  speak  of. 

We  committed  a  great  many  blunders  during  the  action,  or  our 
success  would  probably  have  been  more  complete.  I  forbear  to 
enter  into  minute  particulars,  lest  1  should  cast  an  indirect  cen 
sure  on  some  officers,  perhaps  undeserved,  for  I  must  acknow 
ledge,  I  was  so  much  engaged  at  the  battery,  as  to  have  but  an 
indistinct  knowledge  of  what  passed  elsewhere.  But  the  fact  is, 
the  infantry  and  light  artillery  decided  upon  retreating  without  my 
orders,  before  they  had  lost  a  single  man  killed  or  wounded; 
and  at  the  time  too,  when  the  enemy  were  manouvring  to  the 
rear  of  our  position  with  their  barges.  The  consequence  of  this 
moving  was  very  disadvantageous;  the  men  at  the  guns  perceiv 
ing  the  infantry  retreating,  and  the  enemy  getting  into  the  rear, 
their  numbers  began  sensibly  to  diminish,  and  I  was  pretty  soon 
left  with  only  men  enough  to  work  one  gun,  which  I  was  necessi 
tated  to  turn  to  the  rear  for  the  sake  of  keeping  the  barges  in  check. 
Finally,  the  few  men  that  remained  were  so  exhausted  with  fa- 
ii<n:e,  we  found  it  impracticable  to  fire  anv  more,  and  the  limbers 
and  horses  \Uiich  had  been  ordered  down  the  hill,  having  disap 
peared  and  gone,  1  know  not  where,  I  found  myself  under  the 
painful  necessity  of  spiking  the  guns,  to  prevent  their  being  used 
by  the  enemy,  should  he  get  possession  of  them. 

1  might,  in  justice  to  the  infantry,  acknowledge  they  did  not 
take  to  flight,  but  quitted  the  ground  in  perfect  order  ;  after  a 
while  I  was  able  to  halt  them,  and  bring  them  back.  In  the  mean 
time  the  enemy  were  getting  under  way,  and  retiring  down  the 
river:  from  the  precipitancy  of  his  retreat,  I  infer  he  must  have 
suffered  considerably.  From  some  untoward  circumstances,  I 
had  it  not  in  my  power  to  observe  the  effect  of  each  shot  we  fired, 
otherwise  I  think  its  destruction  would  be  complete. 

Commodore  Barnev  furnished  me  with  twentv  excellent  men 
from  his  Hotilla  to  work  the  guns.  By  some  mismanagement  in 
loading  with  the  hot  shot,  one  poor  fellow  had  his  arm  blown  otf, 
which  is  the  only  material  accident  we  sustained.  One  of  the 
enemy's  rockets  passed  through  an  ammunition  box,  which  had 
been  injudiciously  placed,  and  exploded  it,  which  did  some  dam- 


An  ammunition  cart  near  it  was  covered  with  the  fire,  bu$ 
fortunately  did  not  explode.  Some  other  trifling  accidents  wer« 
sustained. 

We  commenced  in  the  night  an  epaulment  to  cover  our  guns ; 
but  the  work  progressed  so  little,  from  the  shortness  of  time,  I 
did  not  think  it  best  to  occupy  it.  We  retreated  our  guns  so  as 
barely  to  allow  the  muzzles  to  peep  over  the  hill.  This  brought 
us  on  descending  ground,  in  a  ploughed  cornfield.  The  recoil  of 
the  gun  downwards,  every  time  it  was  fired,  gave  us  excessive  la 
bour  to  bring  it  up  to  its  position.  In  other  respects  it  answered 
admirably.  The  enemy  found  it  impossible  to  hit  either  the  guns 
or  the  men.  Every  shot  aimed  by  them,  either  fell  short  and 
struck  the  bank,  or  flew  clear  over.  Towards  the  close  of  the 
firing,  they  adopted  the  method  of  using  small  charges  of  powder, 
which  just  threw  his  shot  over  the  hill,  probably  firing  from  hi» 
carronades;  but  the  effect  was  not  more  decisive. 

To  prevent  the  enemy  taking  alarm  in  the  night,  from  our 
movements,  we  were  necessitated  to  halt  our  ammunition  wagon* 
and  carts  above  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  the  battery,  and  pass  ail 
our  stores ;  even  the  bricks  of  which  our  furnace  was  constructed, 
were  brought  that  distance  by  hand.  This  fatigued  the  men  ex 
cessively.  I  felt  certain,  if  the  enemy  should  open  upon  us,  even 
at  a  random  fire,  it  would  be  impossible  to  get  any  thing  done  for 
the  confusion  it  would  create. 

I  ought  to  mention,  that  the  situation  in  which  the  infantry  and 
light  artillery  were  placed,  was  a  trying  one  for  new  raised  troops. 
Most  of  the  shot  which  missed  the  battery,  fell  among  them.  I 
had  anticipated  that  disadvantage,  but  it  was  unavoidable.  It 
was  indispensable  to  have  them  covered  by  some  rising  ground 
from  the  waters  of  the  Patuxent,  and  the  position  chosen,  was  the 
only  one  compatible  with  that  view,  and  the  design  I  had  in  post' 
ing  them,  to  protect  the  rear  of  our  battery. 

The  battalion  of  the  38th  regiment,  joined  us  but  last  evening, 
after  a  hard  day's  march,  and  were  immediately  marched  to  the 
ground.  Some  of  their  men  were  completely  exhausted,  and  the 
whole  excessively  fatigued  and  half  famished. 

Commodore  Barney's  flotilla  was  at  hand,  ready  to  open  upon 
the  enemy,  the  moment  a  favourable  opportunity  should  offer.  He- 
commenced  firing  soon  after  us,  and  drew  off  that  of  the  enemy  for 
a  while.  I  have  not  seen  him  since  the  action,  but  understand 
he  lost  several  men,  killed  and  wounded. 

I  hope,  on  the  whole,  taking  into  consideration  our  not  being  ful 
ly  prepared,  the  excessive  fatigue  the  men  had  undergone,  and  that 
we  have  attained  the  object  in  view,  which  was  the  release  of  com^ 
modore  Barney's  flotilla,  the  affair  will  not  reflect  dishonour  on 
our  troops. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

DEC1US 

John  Armstrong,  Secretary  of  Wai-. 
44 


346 
GENERAL  BROWN'S  GENERAL  ORDERS. 

ADJUTANT  GENERAL'S  OFFICE,  L-  FT  DIVISION, 

July  2d,  1814. 

Major  general  Brown  has  the  satisfaction  to  announce  to  the 
troops  of  his  division,  on  this  frontier,  that  he  is  authorized  by  the 
orders  of  his  government,  to  put  them  in  motion  against  the  ene 
my.  The  first  and  second  brigades,  with  the  corps  of  artillery, 
will  cross  the  straights  before  them  this  night,  or  as  early  to 
morrow  as  possible.  The  necessary  instructions  have  been  given 
to  the  brigadiers,  and  by  them  to  the  commanding  officers  of  re 
giments  and  corps. 

Upon  entering  Canada,  the  laws  of  war  will  govern — men 
ound  in  arms,  or  otherwise  engaged  in  the  service  of  the  enemy, 
will  be  treated  as  enemies ;  those  behaving  peaceably,  and  follow 
ing  their  private  occupations,  will  be  treated  as  friends.  Private 
property  in  all  cases  will  be  held  sacred  ;  public  property,  wher 
ever  found,  will  be  seized  and  disposed  of  by  the  commanding  ge 
neral.  Our  utmost  protection  will  be  given  to  all  who  actually 
join,  or  who  evince  a  desire  to  join  us. 

Plundering  is  prohibited.  The  major  general  does  not  appre 
hend  ajiy  difficulty  on  this  account,  with  the  regular  army,  or 
with  honourable  volunteers,  who  press  too  the  standard  of  their 
country  to  avenge  her  wrongs,  and  to  gain  a  name  in  arms.  Pro 
fligate  men  who  follow  the  army  for  plunder,  must  not  expect  that 
they  \viil  escape  the  vengeance  of  the  gallant  spirits,  who  are 
struggling  to  exalt  the  national  character.  Any  plunderer  shall 
be  punished  with  death,  who  may  be  found  violating  this  order. 
By  order  of  the  major  genera!. 

C.  K.  GARDNER,  Mjt.  Gen. 

In  pursuance  of  the  above  orders,  the  army  passed  the  Nia 
gara  river  on  Sunday  morning,  3d  instant.  The  brigade  of  ge 
neral  Scott,  and  the  artillery  corps  of  major  Hindman,  landed 
nearly  a  mile  below  Fort  Erie,  between  two  and  three  o'clock, 
while  general  Ripley,  with  his  brigade,  made  the  shore  about  the 
same,  distance  above.  The  enemy  was  perfectly  unappri&ed  of 
these  movements.  General  Scott  led  the  van,  and  was  on  shore 
before  the  enemy's  picker,  which  was  stationed  at  this  point,  fired 
a  gun;  the  guard  discharged  their  guns  and  retreated. 

In  the  morning,  a  small  Indian  corps  was  crossed  over.  The 
fort  was  approached  on  the  right  and  left,  and  the  Indians  skirted 
the  woods  in  the  rear.  General  Brown  now  demanded  a  surren 
der  of  the  garrison,  and  gave  the  commander  two  hours  for  con 
sideration. — In  the  mean  time,  a  battery  of  long  18's  was  pi  .  ..-d 
in  a  position  which  commanded  the  fort.  The  enemy  surrendered 
prisoners  of  war — marched  out  of  the  fort  at  six,  stacked  their 
arms,  and  were  immediately  sent  across  the  river  to  the  American 
shore;  there  were  upwards  of  170  prisoners,  of  the  8th  and  100th 


347 

regiments,  among  which  were  seven  officers.  Major  Burke  com 
manded  the  fort. 

The  schooners  Tigress  and  Porcupine  assisted  in  crossing  the 
troops,  and  lay  during  the  day  within  cannon-shot  of  the  fort. 

Captain  Camp,  of  the  quarter  master  general's  department 
volunteered  in  the  expedition,  and  crossed  in  theboat  with  general 
Scott. 

During  the  mo  n'n^,  the  enemy  fired  two  or  three  cannon  from 
the  fort,  which  killed  one  man,  and  wounded  two  or  three  others. 
We  learn  the  ^nemy  had  one  killed. 

There  arf  several  pieces  of  ordnance  in  the  garrison,  and  some 
military  stdes. 

Thus  has  the  Niagara  been  crossed,  and  a  fort  captured,  without 
scarcely  the  loss  of  a  man. 


CRUIZE  OF  THE  ESSEX. 

ESSEX  JUNIOR,  July  3d,  1814— at  sea. 
SIR, 

I  have  done  myself  the  honour  to  address  you  repeatedly, 
since  I  left  the  Delaware ;  but  have  scarcely  a  hope  that  one  of 
rny  letters  has  reached  you  ;  therefore  consider  it  necessary  to 
give  you  a  brief  history  of  my  proceedings  since  that  period. 

1  sailed  from  the  Delaware  on  the  27th  of  October,  1812,  and 
repaired  with  all  diligence  (agreeably  to  the  instructions  of  com 
modore  Bainbridge)  to  Port  Praya,  Fernando  de  Noronho,  and 
Cape  Frio,  and  arrived  at  each  place  on  the  day  appointed  to  meet 
him.  On  my  passage  from  Port  Praya  to  Fernando  de  Noronho, 
I  captured  his  Britannic  majesty's  packet  Nocton  ;  and  after  tak 
ing  out  about  ^=11,000  sterling  in  specie,  sent  her  under  com 
mand  of  lieutenant  Finch,  for 'America.  I  cruized  oft*  Rio  de 
Janeiro,  and  about  Cape  Frio,  until  the  12th  January,  1813,  hear 
ing  frequently  of  the  commodore,  by  vessels  from  Bahia.  I  here 
captured  one  schooner,  with  hides  arid  tallow.  I  sent  her  into  Rio. 
The  Montague,  the  admiral's  ship,  being  in  pursuit  of  me,  my 
provisions  getting  short,  and  finding  it  necessary  to  look  out  for 
a  supply,  to  enable  me  to  meet  the  commodore  by  the  1st  April, 
off  St  Helena,  I  proceeded  to  the  island  of  St.  Catharine's  (the  last 
place  of  rendezvous  on  the  coast  of  Brazil,)  as  the  most  likely  to 
supply  my  wants,  and,  at  the  same  time,  aftbrd  me  that  intelli 
gence  necessary  to  enable  me  to  elude  the  British  ships  of  war 
on  the  coast,  and  expected  there.  I  here  procured  only  wood, 
water,  and  rum,  and  a  few  bags  of  flour;  and  hearing  of  the 
commodore's  actior  with  the  Java,  the  capture  of  the  Hornet  by 
the  Montague,  and  of  a  considerable  augmentation  of  the  British 
force  on  the  coast,  several  being  in  pursuit  of  me,  I  found  it  ne 
cessary  to  get  to  sea  as  soon  as  possible.  I  now,  agreeably  to  the 
commodore's  plan,  stretched  to  the  southward,  scouring  tlie  coast 


548 

as  far  as  Rio  de  la  Plata.  I  heard  that  Buenos  Ayres  was  in  a 
state  of  starvation,  and  could  not  supply  our  wants,  and  that  the 
government  of  Monteviedo  was  inimical  to  us.  The  commodore's 
instructions  now  left  it  completely  discretionary  \vith  me  what 
course  to  pursue,  and  I  determined  on  following  that  which  had 
not  only  met  his  approbation,  but  the  approbation  of  the  then  Se 
cretary  of  the  Navy. 

I  accordingly  shaped  my  course  for  the  Pacific  ;  and  after 
guttering  greatly  from  short  allowance  of  provisions,  and  heavy 
gales  oif  Cape  Horn,  (for  which  my  ship  and  men  were  ill  provided,) 
I  arrived  at  Valparaiso  on  the  14th  March,  1813.  I  here  took  in 
as  much  jerked  beef,  and  other  provisions,  as  my  ship  would 
conveniently  stow,  and  ran  down  the  coast  of  Chili  and  Peru.  In 
this  track  I  fell  in  with  a  Peruvian  corsair,  which  had  on  board 
24  Americans,  as  prisoners,  the  crews  of  two  whale  ships,  which 
she  had  taken  on  the  coast  of  Chili.  The  captain  informed  me 
that,  as  allies  of  Great  Britain,  they  would  capture  all  they 
should  meet  with,  in  expectation  of  a  war  between  Spain  and  the- 
United  States.  I  consequently  threw  all  his  guns  and  ammuni 
tion  into  the  sea,  liberated  the  Americans,  wrote  a  respectful 
letter  to  the  viceroy,  explaining  the  cause  of  my  proceedings, 
•which  I  delivered  to  her  captain.  I  then  proceeded  for  Lima, 
and  re-captured  one  of  the  vessels  as  she  was  entering  the  port. 
From  thence  1  shaped  my  course  for  the  Gallapagos  islands, 
where  I  cruized  from  the  17th  April  until  the  Sd  October,  1813; 
during  this  time  I  touched  only  once  on  the  coast  of  America, 
which  was  for  the  purpose  of  procuring  a  supply  ot  fresh  water, 
as  none  is  to  be  found  among  these  islands,  which  are,  perhaps, 
the  most  barren  and  desolate  of  any  known.  While  among  this 
group,  I  captured  the  following  British  ships,  employed  chiefly 
ui  the  spermaceti  whale  fishery,  viz. 

Letters  of  Marque. 

Tons.  Men.  Guns.    Pierced  for. 

Montezuma,             270  21  2 

Policy,                      275  25  10  18 

Georgiana,               280  25  6  18 

Greenwich,              338  25  10  20 

Atlantic,                  355  24  8  20 

Rose,                        220  21  8  20 

Hector,                     270  25  11  20 

Catharine,                270  29  8  18 

Seringapatam,        350  31  14  26 

Charlton,                  274  21  10  18 

New  Zealander,      259  23  8  18 

Sir  A.  Hammond,  301  31  12  18 

3369        302        W 


'349 

As  some  of  these  sMps  were  captured  by  boats,  and  others  by 
prizes,  my  officers  and  men  had  several  opportunities  of  showing 
their  gallantry. 

The  Rose  and  the  Charlton,  were  given  up  to  the  prisoners; 
the  Hector,  Catharine  and  Montezuma,  T  sent  to  Valparaiso, 
where  they  were  laid  up  :  the  Policy,  Geonriana,  and  New  Zea 
land,  I  sent  for  America  :  the  Greenwich  I  kept  as  a  store  ship, 
to  contain  the  stores  of  my  other  prizes,  necessary  for  us,  and  the 
Atlantic,  now  called  the  Essex  Junior,  I  equipped  with  20  guns, 
and  gave  the  command  of  her  to  lieutenant  Downes. 

Lieutenant  Downes  had  conveyed  the  prizes  to  Valparaiso,  and 
on  his  return  brought  me  letters,  informing  me  that  a  squadron 
under  the  command  of  commodore  James  Hillyar,  consisting  of 
the  frigate  Phcebe,  of  36  guns,  had  sailed  on  the  6th  July  for  this 
sea.  The  Racoon  and  Cherub,  had  been  seeking  for  me  for  some 
time  on  the  coast  of  Brazil,  and,  on  the  return  from  their  cruize, 
joined  the  squadron  sent  in  search  of  me  to  the  Pacific.  My  ship, 
as  it  may  be  supposed,  after  being  near  a  year  at  sea,  reouired 
some  repairs  to  put  her  in  a  state  to  meet  them  ;  which  I  deter 
mined  to  do,  and  bring  them  to  action,  if  I  could  meet  them  on 
nearly  equal  terms.  I  proceeded  now,  in  company  with  the  re 
mainder  of  my  prizes,  to  the  island  of  Nooaheevah,  or  Madison's 
island,  lying  in  the  Washington  group,  discovered  by  a  captain 
Ingraham,  of  Boston.  Here  I  caulked  and  completely'overhauled 
my  ship,  made  for  her  a  new  set  of  water  casks,  her  old  ones 
being  nearly  decayed,  and  took  on  board  from  my  prizes,  provisi 
ons  and  stores  for  upwards  of  four  months,  and  sailed  for  the  coast 
of  Chili  on  the  12th  December,  1813.  Previous  to  sailing  I  se- 
eured  the  Seringapatam,  Greenwich,  and  Sir  A.  Hammond,  under 
the  guns  of  a  battery  which  I  erected  for  their  protection  :  after 
taking  possession  of  this  fine  island  for  the  United  States,  and 
establishing  the  most  friendly  intercourse  with  the  natives,  I  left 
them  under  charge  of  lieutenant  Gamble,  of  the  marines,  with  21 
men,  with  orders  to  repair  to  Valparaiso,  after  a  certain  period. 

I  arrived  on  the  coast  of  Chili,  on  the  12th  January,  1814; 
looked  into  Conception  and  Valparaiso,  found  at  both  places  onlv 
three  English  vessels,  and  learned  that  the  squadron  which  sailed 
from  Rio  de  Janeiro  for  that  sea,  had  not  been  heard  of  since  their 
departure,  and  was  supposed  to  be  lost  in  endeavouring  to  double 
Cape  Horn. 

I  had  completely  broken  up  the  British  navigation  in  the  Paci 
fic;  the  vessels  which  had  not  been  captured  by  me,*were  laid  up, 
and  dare  not  venture  out.  I  had  afforded  the  most  ample  protec 
tion  to  our  own  vessels,  which  were,  on  my  arrival,  very  numer 
ous  and  unprotected.  The  valuable  whale  fishery  there,  is  en 
tirely  destroyed,  and  the  actual  injury  we  have  done  them  may  be 
estimated  at  two  and  a  half  millions  of  dollars,  independent  of 
the  expenses  of  the  vessels  in  search  of  me.  They  have  supplied 
me  amply  with  sails,  cordage,  cables,  anchors,  provisions,  medi- 


350 

cines,  and  stores  of  every  description:  and  the  slops  on  board 
them  have  furnished  clothing;  for  the  seamen.  We  had,  in  fact, 
lived  on  the  enemy  since  I  had  been  in  that  sea,  every  prize  hav 
ing:  proved  a  well-found  store  ship  for  me.  I  had  not  yet  been 
under  the  necessity  of  drawing  bills  on  the  department  for  any 
object,  and  had  been  enabled  to  make  considerable  advances  to  my 
officers  and  crew  on  account  of  pay. 

For  the  unexampled  time  we  had  kept  the  sea,  my  crew  had 
continued  remarkably  healthy.  I  had  but  one  case  of  the  scurvy, 
and  had  lost  only  the  following  men  by  death,  viz. : 

John  8.  Cowan,  lieutenant;  Robert  Miller,  surgeon;  Levi 
Holmes,  O.  8. ;  Edward  Sweeny,  do.;  Samuel  .Groce,  seaman; 
James  Spaft'ord,  gunner's  mate ;  Benjamin  Geers,  John  Rodders, 
quarter  gunners;  Andrew  Mahan,  corporal  of  marines;  Lewis 
Price,  private  marine. 

I  had  done  all  the  injury  that  could  be  done  the  British  com 
merce  in  the  Pacific,  and  still  hoped  to  signalize  my  cruize  by 
something  more  splendid,  before  leaving  that  sea.  1  thought  it 
not  improbable,  that  commodore  Hillyar  might  have  kept  his  ar 
rival  secret,  and  believing  he  would  seek  me  at  Valparaiso,  as  the 
most  likely  place  to  f;nd  me,  I  determined  to  cruize  about  that 
place,  and  should  I  fail  of  meeting  him,  hoped  to  be  compensated 
by  the  capture  ol  some  merchant  ships,  said  to  be  expected  from 
England. 

The  Pho?be,  agreeable  to  my  expectations,  came  to  seek  me  at 
Valparaiso,  where  I  was  anchored  with  the  Essex  ;  my  armed 
prizejthe  Essex  Junior,  under  the  command  of  lieutenant  Downes, 
on  the  look-out  off  the  harbor.  But  contrary  to  the  course  1  thought 
he  would  pursue,  commodore  Hillyar  brought  with  him  the  Che 
rub  sloop  ot  war,  mounting  28  guns,  eighteen  32  pound  carro- 
nadcs,  eight  24's,  and  two  long  9's  on  the  quarter-deck  and  fore 
castle,  and  a  complement  of  180  men.  The  force  of  the  Phoebe  is 
as  follows: — thirty-two  long  18  pounders,  sixteen  32  pound  car- 
ronades,  one  howitzer,  and  six  3  pounders  in  the  tops,  in  all  53 
guns,  and  a  complement  of  320  men:  making  a  force  of  81  guns, 
and  5GC  men  ;  in  addition  to  which  they  took  on  board  the  crew  of 
an  English  letter  of  marque,  lying  in  port.  Both  ships  had  picked 
crews,  and  were  sent  into  the  Pacific,  in  company  with  the  Ra 
coon  of  22 guns,  and  a  store  ship  of  20  guns,  for  the  express  purpose 
of  seeking  the  Essex,  and  were  prepared  with  flags  bearing  the 
motto,  '-God  and  country;  British  sailor's  best  rights;  traitors 
offend  both."  This  was  intended  as  a  reply  to  my  motto,  "  Free 
trade  and  sailor's  rights"  under  the  erroneous  impression,  that 
my  crew  were  chiefly  Englishmen,  or  to  counteract  its  effect  on 
their  own  crews.  The  force  of  the  Essex  was  46  guns,  forty  32 
pound  carronades,  and  six  long  12's,  and  her  crew,  which  had 
been  much  reduced  by  prizes,  amounted  to  only  255  men.  The 
Essex  Junior,  which  was  intended  chiefly  as  a  store  ship,  mounted 
20  guns,  ten  18  pound  carronades,  and  ten  short  6's,  with  only  60 


351 

men  on  board.    In  reply  to  their  motto,  I  wrote  at  my  mizen, 
"  God,  oar  country  and  liberty  ;  tyrants  offend  them." 

On  getting  their  provisions  on  board,  they  went  off  the  port  for 
the   purpose  of  blockading  me,  where  they  cruized  for  near  six 
weeks  ;  during  which  time  I  endeavoured  to  provoke  a  challenge, 
and  frequently,  but  ineffectually,  to  bring  the  Pluebe  alone  to  ac 
tion,  first  with  both  my  ships,  and  afterwards  with  my  single  ship, 
with  both  crews  on  board.     I  was  several  times  under  way,    and 
ascertained  that  I   had  greatly  the  advantage  in  point  of  sailing, 
and  once  succeeded  in  closing  within  gun-shot  of  the  Phcehe,  and 
commenced   a  fire   on   her,  when   she  ran  down  for  the  Cherub, 
which  was  two  and  a  half  miles  to  leeward :  this  excited  some 
surprise  and  expressions  of  indignation,  as  previous  to  my  getting 
under  way,  she  hove  to  off  the  port,  hoisted  her  motto  flag,   and 
fired  a  gun  to  windward.     Commodore  Hillyrr  seemed  determin 
ed  to  avoid  a  contest  with  me  on  nearly  equal  terms,  and  from  his 
extreme  prudence  in  keeping  both  his  ships  ever  after  constantly 
wU-iin  hail  of  each  other,  there  were  no  hopes  of  any  advantages 
to  my  country  from  a  longer  stay  in  port.     I  therefore  determined 
to  put  to  sea  the  first  opportunity  which  should  offer;  and  I  was 
the  more  strongly  induced  to  do  so,  as  I  had  gained  certain  intel 
ligence,   that  the  Tagus,    rated  38,    and  two  other  frigates,  had 
sailed  for  that  sea  in  pursuit  of  me.     I  had  reason  to  expect  the 
arrival  of  the  Racoon,  from  the   north-west  coast  of  America, 
w:<  .-.re  she  had  been  sent  for  the  purpose  of  destroying  our  fur  es- 
tii  -lisiiment  on  the  Columbia.     A  rendezvous  was  appointed   for 
the  Essex  Junior,  and  every  arrangement  made  for  sailing,  an^i  I 
intended  to  let  them  chase   me  off,  to  give  the  Essex  Junior  an 
Opportunity  of  escaping.     On  the  28th  March,  the  day  after  this 
determination  was  formed,  the  wind  came  to  blow  fresh  from  the 
southward,  when  I  parted  my  larboard  cable  and  dragged  my  star 
board  anchor  directly  out  to  sea.     Not  a  moment  was  to  be  lost 
in  getting  sail  on  the   ship.     The  enemy  were  close  in  with  the 
point  forming  the  west  side  of  the  bay;  but  on  opening  them,  1 
saw  a  prospect  of  passing  to  windward,   when  I  took  in  my  top 
gallant-sails,    which   were   set   over   single -reefed -topsails,    and 
braced  up  for  this  purpose;  but  on  rounding  the  point,   a  heavy 
squall  struck  the  ship,  and  carried  a\vay  her  main  top-mast,   pre 
cipitating  tlie  men  who  were  aloft  into  the  sea,  who  were  drown 
ed.     BotSi  ships  now  gave  chase  to  me,  and   I  endeavoured,  in  my 
disabled  state,  to  regain  the  port ;  but   finding  1  could  not  reco 
ver   the    common  anchorage,   I  ran  close  into  a  small  bay,   abo  it 
three  quarters  of  a  mile  to  leeward  of  the  battery,  on  the  east  side 
of  the  harbor,  and  let  go  my  anchor  within  pistol-shot  of  the  shore, 
where  I  intended  to  repair  my  damages  as  soon  as  possible      The 
enemy  continued  to  approach,  shewed  an  evident  intention  of  at 
tacking  us,  regardless  of  the  neutrality  of  the  place  ivhero.   1  was 
anchored  ;  «.nd  the  caution  observed  in  their  approach  to  1'iie  attack 
of  the  crippled  Essex,  was  truly  ridiculous,  as  was  their  display 


of  their  motto  flags,  and  the  number  of  jacks  at  all  their  mast  heads* 
I,  with  as  much  expedition  as  circumstances  would  admit  of,  got 
my  ship  ready  for  action,  and  endeavoured  to  get  a  spring  on  my 
cable,  but  had  not  succeeded  when  the  enemy,  at  54  minutes  past 
3  P.  M.  made  his  attack,  the  Phoebe  placing  herself  under  my 
stern,  and  the  Cherub  on  my  starboard  bow  ;  but  the  Cherub  soon 
finding  her  situation  a  hot  one,  bore  up  and  ran  down  under  the 
stern  also,  where  both  ships  kept  up  a  hot  raking  fire. 

1  had  got  3  long  twelve  pound£rs  out  ot  the  stern  ports,  which 
-were  worked  with  so  much  bravery  and  skill,  that  in  half  an  hour 
we  so  disabled  both  as  to  compel  them  to  haul  off' to  repair  dama 
ges.     In  the  course  of  this  firing,  I  had,  by  the  great  exertions  of 
Mr.  Edward  Barnwell,  the  acting  sailing  master,  assisted  by  Mr. 
Linscott,  the  boatswain,  succeeded  in  getting  springs  on  our  cable 
three  different  times  ;  but  the  tire  of  the  enemy  was  so  excessive, 
that  before  we  could  get  our  broadside  to  bear,  they  were  shof 
away,  and   thus  rendered   useless  to  us.     My  ship  had  receivec 
many  injuries  and  several  had  been  killed  and  wounded ;  but  mi 
brave  officers  and  men,  notwithstanding  the  unfavourable  circum 
stances  under  which  we  were  brought  to  action,  and  the  powerfu; 
force  opposed   to  us,  were  no  ways  discouraged ;  all  appeared 
determined  to  defend  their  ship  to  the  last  extremity,  and  to  die  ir 
preference  to  a  shameful  surrender.   Our  gaff,  with  the  ensign  anc 
the  motto  flag  at  the  mizen,  had  been  shot  away,  but  FREE  TRADE 
AND  SAILOR'S  RIGHTS,  continued  to  fly  at  the  fore.     Our  ensign 
was  replaced  by  another ;  and  to  guard  against  a  similar  event, 
an  ensign  was  made  fast  in  the  mizen  rigging,  and  several  jack* 
we're  hoisted  in  different  parts  of  the  ship.     The  enemy  soon  re 
paired  his  damages  for  a  fresh  attack,     He  now  placed  himself, 
with  both  his  ships  on  my  starboard  quarter,  out  of  the  reach  of 
my  carronades,  and  where  my  stern  guns  could  not  be  brought  to 
bear.     He  there  kept  up  a  most  galling  fire,  which  it  was  out  of 
inv  power  to  return,  when  1  saw  no  prospect  of  injuring  him  without 
getting  under  weigh  and  becoming  the  assailant.     My  top-sail 
sheets  and  haul-yards  were  all  shot  away  as  well  as  the  jib  and 
fore -top- mast  stay  sail  haul-yards.     The  only  rope  not  cut  was 
the  flying  jib  haul-yards,  and  that  being  the  only  sail  I  could  set, 
I  caused  it  to  be  hoisted,  my  cable  to  be   cut,  and  ran  down  on 
both  ships,  with  an  intention  of  laying  the  Phoebe  on  board.    The 
firing  on   both  sides  \\as  now  tremendous.     I   had  let  fall  my 
fore-topsail  and  foresail,  but  the  want  of  tacks  and  sheets  had 
rendered  them  almost  useless  to  us;  yet  we  were  enabled,  for  a 
short  time,  to  close  with  the  enemy  ;  and  although  our  decks  were 
now  strewed  with   dead,  and  our  cockpit  tilled  with  wounded — 
although  our  ship  had  been  several  times  on  fire,  and  was  render 
ed  a  perfect  wreck,  we  were  still  encouraged  to  a  hope  to  save 
her,  from   the  circumstance  of  the   Cherub   being  compelled  to 
haul  off".     She  did  not  return  to  close  action,  although  she  appa- 


rently  had  it  in  her  power  to  do  so,  but  kept  up  &  distant  firing 
with  her  long  guns. 

The'Phcebe,  from  our  disabled  state,  was  enabled",  however,  by 
edgingofF,  to  choose  the  distance  which  best  suited  her  long  guns, 
and  kept  up  a  tremendous  fire  on  us,  which  mowed  down  my 
brave  companions  by  the  dozen.  Many  of  my  guns  had  been 
rendered  useless  by  the  enemy's  shot,  and  many  of  them  had  their 
whole  ere  TVS  destroyed.  We  manned  them  again  from  those  which 
were  disabled,  and  one  gun  in  particular  was  three  times  manned  ; 
15  men  were  slain  at  it  in  the  action!  but  strange  as  it  may 
appear,  the  captain  of  it  escaped  with  only  a  slight  wound.  Find 
ing  that  the  enemy  had  it  in  his  power  to  chose  his  distance,  I 
now  gave  up  all  hopes  of  closing  with  him,  and  as  the  wind,  for 
the  moment,  seemed  to  favour  the  design,  I  determined  to  endea 
vour  to  run  her  on  shore,  land  my  men  and  destroy  her.  Every 
thing  seemed  to  favour  my  wishes.  We  had  approached  the  shore 
within  musket  shot,  and  1  had  no  doubt  of  succeeding,  when,  in 
an  instant,  the  wind  shifted  from  the  land  (as  is  very  common  in 
this  port  in  the  latter  part  of  the  day)  and  payed  our  head  down 
on  the  Phrebe,  where  we  were  again  exposed  to  a  dreadful  raking 
fire.  My  ship  was  now  totally  unmanageable  ;  yet,  as  her  head 
was  toward  the  enemy,  and  he  to  leeward  of  me,  I  still  hoped  to 
be  able  to  board  him.  At  this  moment  lieutenant  commandant 
Downes  came  onboard,  to  receive  my  orders,  under  the  impression 
that  I  should  soon  be  a  prisoner.  He  could  be  of  no  use  to  me 
in  the  then  wretched  state  of  the  Essex;  and  finding  (from  the 
enemy's  putting  his  helm  up)  that  my  last  attempt  at  boarding 
would  not  succeed,  I  directed  him,  after  he  had  been  about  ten 
minutes  on  board,  to  return  to  his  own  ship,  to  be  prepared  for 
defending  and  destroying  her  in  case  of  an  attack.  He  took  with 
him  several  of  my  wounded,  leaving  three  of  his  boat's  crew  on 
board  to  make  room  for  them.  The  Cherub  now  had  an  oppor 
tunity  of  distinguishing  herself,  by  keeping  up  a  hot  tire  on  him 
during  his  return. 

The  slaughter  on  board  my  ship  had  now  become  horrible;  the 
enemy  continuing  to  rake  us,  and  we  unable  to  bring  a  gun  to 
bear.  I  therefore  directed  a  hawser  to  be  bent  to  the  sheet 
anchor,  and  the  anchor  to  be  cut  from  the  bows  to  bring  her  head 
round.  This  succeeded.  We  again  got  our  broadside  to  bear, 
and  as  the  enemy  was  much  crippled  and  unable  to  hold  his  own, 
I  have  no  doubt  he  would  soon  have  drifted  out  of  gun-shot  before 
he  discovered  we  had  anchored,  had  not  the  hawser  unfortunate 
ly  parted.  My  ship  had  taken  fire  several  times  during  the  action, 
but  alarmingly  so  forward  and  aft  at  this  moment ;  the  flames 
were  bursting  up  each  hatchway,  and  no  hopes  were  entertained 
of  saving  her ;  our  distance  from  the  shore  did  not  exceed  three 
quarters  of  a  mile,  and  I  hoped  many  of  my  brave  crew  would  be 
able  to  save  themselves,  should  the  ship  blow  up,  as  I  was  inform 
ed  the  fire  was  near  the  magazine,  and  the  explosion  of  a  large 
45 


354 

quantity  of  powder  below,  served  to  increase  the  horrors  of  our 
situation.  Our  boats  were  destroyed  by  the  enemy's  shot ;  I  there 
fore  directed  those  who  could  swim  to  jump  overboard,  and  endea 
vour  to  gain  the  shore.  Some  reached  it,  some  were  taken  by 
the  enemy,  and  some  perished  in  the  attempt;  but  most  preferred 
sharing  with  me  the  fate  of  the  ship. 

We  who  remained,  now  turned  our  attention  wholly  to  extin 
guishing  the  flames ;  and  when  we  had  succeeded,  went  again  to 
our  guns,  where  the  firing  was  kept  up  for  some  minutes,  but  the 
crew  had  by  this  time  become  so  weakened,  that  they  all  declared 
to  me  the  impossibility  of  making  further  resistance,  and  entreat 
ed  me  to  surrender  my  ship  to  save  the  wounded,  as  all  further 
attempts  at  opposition  must  prove  ineffectual,  almost  every  gun 
being  disabled  by  the  destruction  of  their  crews.  I  now  sent  for 
the  officers  of  divisions  to  consult  them;  but  what  was  my  sur 
prise  to  find  only  acting  lieutenant  Stephen  Decatur  M'Knight 
remaining,  who  confirmed  the  report  respecting  the  condition  of 
the  guns  on  the  quarter-deck — those  on  the  spar-deck  were  not 
in  a  better  state.  Lieutenant  "Wilmer,  after  fighting  most  gal 
lantly  throughout  the  action,  had  been  knocked  overboard  by  a 
splinter,  while  getting  the  sheet  anchor  from  the  boxvs,  and  was 
drowned.  Acting  lieutenant  John  G.  Cowell  had  lost  a  leg;  Mr. 
Edward  Barnwell,  acting  sailing  master,  had  been  carried  below, 
after  receiving  two  severe  wounds,  one  in  the  breast  and  one  in 
the  face  ;  and  acting  lieutenant  William  H.Odenheimer  had  been 
knocked  overboard  from  the  quarter,  an  instant  before,  and  did 
not  regain  the  ship  till  after  the  surrender. 

I  was  informed  that  the  cockpit,  the  steerage,  the  wardroom, 
and  the  birth-deck,  could  contain  no  more  wounded ;  and  that 
the  wounded  were  killed  while  the  surgeons  were  dressing  them, 
and  that  unless  something  was  speedily  done  to  prevent  it,  the 
ship  would  soon  sink,  from  the  number  of  shot-holes  in  her  bottom. 
And  on  sending  for  the  carpenter,  he  informed  me  that  all  his 
crew  had  been  killed  or  wounded,  and  that  he  had  been  once  over 
the  side  to  stop  the  leaks,  when  his  slings  had  been  shot  away,  and 
it  was  with  difficulty  he  was  saved  from  drowning.  The  enemy, 
from  the  smoothness  of  the  water,  and  the  impossibility  of  our 
reaching  him  with  our  carronades,  and  the  little  apprehension, 
that  was  excited  by  our  tire,  which  had  now  become  much  slack 
ened,  was  enabled  to  take  aim  at  us  as  at  a  target;  his  shot  never 
missed  our  hull,  and  my  ship  was  cut  up  in  a  manner  which  was 
perhaps  never  before  witnessed :  in  fine,  I  saw  no  hopes  of  saving 
her,  and  at  20  minutes  after  6  P.  M.  gave  the  painful  order  to  strike 
the  colours.  Seventy -five  men,  including  officers,  were  all  that  re 
mained  of  my  whole  crew,  after  the  action,  capable  of  doing  duty, 
and  many  of  them  severely  wounded,  some  of  whom  have  since  died. 
The  enemy  stilt  continued  his  fur,  and  my  brave,  though  unfortunate 
companions  were  still  falling  about  me.  I  directed  an  opposite 
gun  to  be  fired,  to  show  them  we  intended  no  further  resistance; 


355 

.but  tfiey  did  not  desist ;  four  men  were  killed  at  my  side,  anil 
others  in  different  parts  of  the  ship.  I  now  believed  he  intended 
to  show  us  no  quarter,  and  that  it  would  be  as  well  to  die  with 
my  fla«j  flying  as  struck,  and  was  on  the  point,  of  again  hoisting 
it,  when,  about  ten  minutes  after  hauling  tlie  colours  down,  he 
teased  firing. 

I  cannot  speak  in  sufficiently  high  terms  of  the  conduct  of  those 
engaged  for  such  an  unparalleled  length  of  time,  (under  such  cir 
cumstances)  with  me,  in  the  arduous  and  unequal  contest.  Let  it 
suffice  to  say,  that  more  bravery,  skill,  patriotism,  and  zeal,  were 
never  displayed  on  any  occasion ;  every  one  seemed  determined 
to  die  in  defence  of  their  much  loved  country's  cause,  and  no 
thing  but  views  to  humanity  could  ever  have  reconciled  them  to 
the  surrender  of  the  ship;  they  remembered  their  wounded  and 
helpless  ship-mates  below.  To  acting  lieutenants  M'Knigiit  and 
Odenheimer,  I  feel  much  indebted  for  their  great  exertions  and 
bravery  throughout  the  action,  in  fighting  and  encouraging  the 
men  at  their  divisions,  for  the  dexterous  management  of  the  long 
guns,  and  for  their  promptness  in  re-manning  their  guns,  as  their 
crews  were  slaughtered.  The  conduct  of  that  brave  and  heroic 
officer,  acting  lieutenant  John  G.  Cowell,  who  lost  his  leg  in  the 
latter  part  of  the  action,  excited  the  admiration  of  every  man  in 
the  ship,  and  after  being  wounded,  would  not  consent  to  be  taken 
below,  until  loss  of  blood  rendered  him  insensible.  Mr.  Ed  ward 
Barnwell,  acting  sailing-master,  whose  activity  and  courage  were, 
equally  conspicuous,  returned  on  deck  after  his  first  wound,  and 
remained  after  receiving  his  second,  until  fainting  with  loss  of 
blood.  Mr.  Samuel  B.  Johnston,  who  had  joined  me  the  day  be 
fore,  and  acted  as  marine  officer,  conducted  himself  with  great 
bravery,  and  exerted  himself  in  assisting  at  the  long  guns,  the 
musketry  after  the  first  half  hour  being  useless  (from  our  great 
distance). 

Mr.  M.  W.  Bostwick,  whom  I  had  appointed  acting  purser  of 
the  Essex  Junior,  and  who  was  on  board  my  ship,  did  the  duties  of 
an  aid,  in  a  manner  which  reflects  on  him  the  highest  honour  j 
midshipmen  Isaacs,  Farragut,  and  Ogden,  as  well  as  acting  mid 
shipmen  James  Terry,  James  R.  Lyman,  and  Samuel  Duzenbury, 
and  master's  mate  William  Pierce,  exerted  themselves  in  the  per 
formance  of  their  respective  duties,  and  gave  an  earnest  of  their 
value  to  the  service  ;  the  three  first  are  too  young  to  recommend 
for  promotion,  the  latter  I  beg  leave  to  recommend  for  confirma 
tion,  as  well  as  the  acting  lieutenants,  and  Messrs.  Barnwell, 
Johnston,  and  Bostwick. 

We  have  been  unfortunate,  but  not  disgraced ;  the  defence  of 
the  Essex  has  not  been  less  honourable  to  her  officers  and  crew, 
than  the  capture  of  an  equal  force,  and  I  now  consider  my  situa 
tion  less  unpleasant  than  that  of  commodore  Hillyar,  who,  in  vio 
lation  of  every  principle  of  honour  and  generosity,  and  regardless 
of  the  rights  of  nations,  attacked  the  Essex  in  her  crippled  state, 


356' 

Within  pistol-shot  of  a  neutral  shore ;  when  for  six  weeks  I  had 
daih  ottered  him  fair  and  honourable  combat,  on  terms  greatly  to 
his  advantage  ;  the  blood  of  the  slain  must  be  on  his  head,  and  he 
has  yet  to  reconcile  his  conduct  to  Heaven,  to  his  conscience, and 
to  the  world.  The  annexed  extract  of  a  letter  from  commodore 
Hillyar,  which  was  written  previously  to  his  returning  me  my 
sword,  will  show  his  opinion  of  our  conduct. 

My  loss  has  been  dreadfully  severe;  58  killed  or  have  since 
dietTof  their  wuunds,  and  among  them  is  lieutenant  Cow  ell;  59 
were  severely  wounded,  27  slightly,  and  31  are  missing;  making 
in  all  154,  killed,  wounded,  and  missing,  a  list  of  whose  names  is 
annexed. 

The  professional  knowledge  of  doctor  Richard  Hoffman,  act 
ing  surgeon,  and  doctor  Alexander  Montgomery,  acting  surgeon's 
mate,  added  to  their  assiduity,  and  the  benevolent  attentions  and 
assistance  of  Mr.  D.  P.  Adams,  the  chaplain,  saved  the  lives  of 
many  of  the  w  ounded.  Those  gentlemen  ha\  e  been  indefatigable 
in  their  attentions  to  them ;  the  two  first  1  beg  leave  to  recom 
mend  for  confirmation,  and  the  latter  to  the  notice  of  the  depart 
ment. 

1  must  in  justice  to  myself  observe,  that  with  our  six  12  poun 
ders  only  we  fought  this  action,  our  carronades  being  almost 
Useless. 

The  loss  in  killed  and  wounded  has  been  great  writh  the  ene 
my  ;  among  the  former  is  the  first  lieutenant  of  the  Phrebe,  and  of 
the  latter  captain  Tucker,  of  the  Cherub,  whose  wounds  are  se 
vere.  Both  the  Essex  and  Phcebe  were  in  a  sinking  state,  and 
it  was  with  difficulty  they  could  be  kept  afloat  until  anchored  in 
Valparaiso  next  morning.  The  shattered  state  of  the  Essex  will, 
I  believe,  prevent  her  ever  reaching  England,  and  1  also  think  it 
will  be  out  of  their  power  to  repair  the  damages  of  the  Phoebe,  so 
as  to  enable  her  to  double  Cape  Horn.  All  the  masts  and  yards 
of  me  Phcebe  and  Cherub  are  badly  crippled,  and  their  hulls  much 
cut  u{  ;  the  former  had  eighteen  Impound  shot  through  her  beiow 
her  water  line,  some  three  feet  under  water.  Nothing  but  the 
smoothness  of  the  water  saved  both  the  Phcebe  and  Essex. 

1  hope,  sir,  that  our  conduct  may  pro\e  satisfactory  to  our 
country,  and  that  it  will  testify  it  by  obtaining  our  speedy  ex 
change,  that  we  may  again  have  it  in  our  power  to  prove  our 
xeal. 

Commodore  Hillyar  (I  am  informed,)  has  thought  proper  to 
state  to  his  government,  that  the  action  only  lasted  45  minutes. 
Should  he  have  done  so,  the  motive  may  be  easily  discovered;  but 
the  thousands  ol  disinterested  witnesses  who  covered  the  surround 
ing  hiilh,  can  testify  that  we  fought  his  ships  near  two  hours  and 
a  half;  upwards  of  50  broadsides  were  fired  by  the  enemy,  agreea 
bly  to  their  own  accounts,  and  upwards  of  7o  by  ours  ;  except  the 
few  minutes  they  were  repairing  damages,  the  firing  was  inces 
sant. 


357 

Soon  after  my  capture,  I  entered  into  an  agreement  with  com 
modore  Hillyar  to  disarm  my  prize,  the  Essex  Junior,  and  proceed 
with  the  survivors  of  my  officers  and  crew  in  her  to  the  United 
States,  taking  with  me  her  officers  and  crew.  He  consented  to 
grant  her  a  passport  to  secure  her  from  re-capture.  The  ship  was 
small,  and  we  knew  we  had  much  to  suffer,  yet  we  hoped  soon  to 
reach  our  country  in  safety,  that  we  might  again  have  it  in  our 
power  to  serve  it.  This  arrangement  v\as  attended  with  no  addi 
tional  expense,  as  she  was  abundantly  supplied  with  provisions 
and  stores  for  the  voyage. 

Injustice  to  commodore  Hillyar,  T  must  observe,  that,  (although 
I  can  never  be  reconciled  to  the  manner  of  his  attack  on  the  Essex, 
or  to  his  conduct  before  the  action)  he  has,  since  our  capture, 
shown  the  greatest  humanity  to  my  wounded,  (whom  he  permitted 
me  to  land,  on  condition  that  the  United  States  should  bear  their 
expenses,)  and  has  endeavoured,  as  much  as  lay  in  his  power,  to 
alleviate  the  distresses  of  war  by  the  most  generous  and  delicate 
deportment  towards  my  officers  and  crew  ;  he  gave  orders  that  the 
property  of  every  person  should  be  respected  ;  which  orders,  howe 
ver,  were  not  so  strictly  attended  to  as  might  have  been  expected ; 
besides  being  deprived  of  books,  charts,  &c.  &c.  both  myself  and 
officers  lost  many  articles  of  our  clothing,  some  to  a  considerable  < 
amount.  I  should  not  have  considered  this  last  circumstance  of 
sufficient  importance  to  notice,  did  it  not  mark  a  striking  differ 
ence  between  the  navy  of  Great  Britain  and  that  of  the  United 
States,  highly  creditable  to  the  latter. 

By  the  arrival  of  the  Tagus,  a  few  days  after  my  capture,  I  was 
informed,  that  besides  the  ships  which  had  arrived  in  the  Pacific 
in  pursuit  of  me,  and  those  still  expected,  others  were  sent  to 
cruize  for  me  in  the  China  Seas,  off  New  Zealand,  Timor,  and 
New  Holland,  and  that  another  frigate  was  sent  to  the  river  la 
Plate. 

To  possess  the  Essex  it  has  cost  the  British  government  near 
six  millions  of  dollars,  and  jet,  sir,  her  capture  was  owing  entirely 
to  accident;  and  if  we  consider  the  expedition  with  which  naval 
contests  are  now  decided,  the  action  is  a  dishonour  to  them.  Had 
they  brought  their  ships  boldly  into  action,  with  a  force  so  very 
superior,  and  having  the  choice  of  position,  they  should  either  have 
captured  or  destroyed  us  in  one  fourth  the  time  they  were  about 
it. 

During  the  action,  our  consul  general  Mr.  Poinsett,  called  on 
the  governor  of  Valparaiso,  and  requested  that  the  batteries  might 
protect  the  Essex.  This  request  was  refused,  but  he  promised 
that  if  she  should  succeed  in  righting  her  way  to  the  common  an 
chorage,  that  he  would  send  an  officer  to  the  British  commander 
jand  request  him  to  cease  firing,  but  (Declined  using  force  under 
any  circumstances,  and  there  is  no  doubt  a  perfect  understanding 
existed  between  them.  This  conduct,  added  10  tlie  assistance  given 
to  the  British,  and  their  friendly  reception  after  the  action,  and 


358' 

the  strong;  bias  of  the  faction  which  govern  Chili  in  favor  of  the 
English,  as  well  as  their  inhospitality  to  the  Americans,  induced 
Mr.  Poinsett  to  leave  that  country.  Under  such  circumstances, 
I  did  not  conceive  it  would  be  proper  for  me  to  claim  the  restora 
tion  of  my  ship,  confident  that  the  claim  would  be  made  by  my 
government  to  more  effect.  Finding  some  difficulty  in  the  sale  of 
my  prizes,  I  had  taken  the  Hector  and  Catharine  to  sea  and  burnt 
them  with  their  cargoes. 

I  exchanged  lieutenant  M*  Knight,  Mr.  Adams,  and  Mr.  Lyman, 
and  eleven  seamen,  for  part  of  the  crew  of  the  Sir  Andrew  Ham 
mond  ;  and  sailed  from  Valparaiso  on  the  27th  April,  where  the 
enemy  were  still  patching  up  their  ships,  to  put  them  in  a  state  for 
proceeding  to  Rio  de  Janeiro,  previous^to  going  to  England. 

Annexed  is  a  list  of  the  remains  of  my  crew  to  be  exchanged, 
as  also  a  copy  of  the  correspondence  between  commodore  Hill yar 
and  myself  on  that  subject.     I  also  send  you  a  list  of  the  prison* 
ers  I  have  taken  during  my  cruize,    amounting  to  343. 
I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

I).  PORTER. 
The  honourable  Secretary  of  the  Navy 

of  the  United  States,  Washington. 

,  P.  S.  To  give  you  a  correct  idea  of  the  state  of  the  Essex  at 
the  time  of  her  surrender,  I  send  you  the  boatswain's  and  carpen 
ter's  report  of  damages ;  I  also  send  you  a  report  of  the  divi 
sions. 


Extract  of  a  letter  from  commodore  Hillyar  to  commodore  Porter. 

"PIICEBE,  April  4th,  1814. 

"MY  DEAR  SIR, 

"  Neither  in  our  conversations,  nor  in  the  accompanying  let 
ter,  have  I  mentioned  your  sword.  Ascribe  my  remissness  in  the 
first  instance  to  forgetfulness;  I  consider  it  only  in  my  servant's 
possession  with  my  own,  until  the  master  may  please  to  call  for 
it ;  and  although  I  omitted,  at  the  moment  of  representation, 
from  my  mind  being  much  engrossed  in  attending  to  professional 
duties,  to  offer  its  restoration,  the  hand  that  received  will  be  most 
gladly  extended  to  put  it  in  possession  of  him  who  wore  it  so  ho 
nourably  in  defence  of  his  country's  cause. 

"  Believe  me,  my  dear  sir,  &c. 

•'  JAMES  HILLY  AR.» 


Jlfter  some  conversation  on  the  subject,  the  following  correspon 
dence  toolc  place. 

VALPARAISO,  April  4th,  1814 
SIR. 

Takin"-  into  consideration  the  immense  distance  we  are  from 
our  respective  countries,  the  uncertainty  of  the  future  movement* 


•359 

of  liis  majesty's  ships  under  my  command,  which  precludes  th^ 
possibility  of  my  making  a  permanent  arrangement  for  transport 
ing  the  officers  and  crew  of  the  late  Essex  to  Europe;  and  the 
fast  approaching  season  which  renders  a  passage  round  Cape  Horn 
in  some  degree  dangerous  ;  I  have  the  honour  to  propose  for  your 
approbation  the  following  articles,  which,  I  hope,  the  government 
of  the  United  States  as  well  as  that  of  Great  Britain,  will  deem 
satisfactory  ;  and  request,  that  should  you  conceive  them  so,  you 
will  favor  me  with  the  necessary  bond  for  their  fulfilment. 

1st.  The  Essex  Junior  to  be  deprived  of  all  her  armament  and 
perfectly  neutralized ;  to  be  equipped  for  the  voyage  solely  and 
wholly  at  the  expense  of  the  American  government;  and  to  pro 
ceed  with  a  proper  American  officers  and  crew  (of  which  I  wish 
to  be  furnished  with  a  list,  for  the  purpose  of  giving  the  neces 
sary  passport)  to  any  port  in  the  United  States  of  America,  that 
you  may  deem  most  proper. 

2d.  Yourself,  the  officers,  petty  officers,  seamen  and  marines, 
&c.  composing  your  crew,  to  be  exchanged  immediately  on  their 
arrival  in  America,  for  an  equal  number  of  British  prisoners  of 
similar  rank ;  yourself  and  officers  to  be  considered  on  their 
parole  of  honour  until  your  and  their  exchange  shall  be  effected. 
In  case  of  the  foregoing  articles  being  accepted  the  Essex  Juni 
or  will  be  expected  to  prepare  immediately  for  her  voyage,  and 
to  proceed  on  it  before  the  expiration  of  the  present  month. 
Should  any  of  the  wounded,  at  that  period,  be  found  incapable  of 
removal,  from  not  being  sufficiently  advanced  in  their  recovery, 
the  most  humane  attention  shall  be  paid  to  them ;  and  they  shall 
be  forwarded  home  by  the  first  favourable  conveyance  that  may 
offer. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

JAMES  HILLYAR. 

Gap.  David  Portei*,  late  commander 

of  the  U.  S.  frigate  Essex,  Valparaiso. 

VALPARAISO,  April  5th,  1814. 

SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  several 
favours  of  yesterday's  date. 

The  conditions  offered  by  you  for  our  return  to  the  United 
States  are  perfectly  satisfactory  to  me;  and  I  entertain  no  doubts 
of  their  being  equally  so  to  my  country.  I,  therefore,  do  not 
hesitate  to  pledge  my  honour  (the  strongest  bond  I  can  give)  that 
every  article  of  the  arrangement  shall,  on  our  part,  be  fully  com- 
plie^l  with.  A  list  of  the  Essex  Junior's  crew  shall  be  furnished 
you  as  soon  as  it  can  be  made  out,  arid  her  disarmament  effected 
with  all  possible  despatch. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

DAVID  PORTER. 

Obm.  James  Hillyar,  commanding 

H.  B.  M's  frigate  Phoebe,  Valparaiso. 


360 

Commodore  Hillyar  sent  me  a  paper  certifying  that  he  had  exchang^cL 
Certain  individuals,  therein  named,  making1  part  of  the  crew  of  the  sir  Andrew 
Hammond,  for  an  equal  number  of  the  most  severely  wounded  of  my  crew  ; 
this  occasioned  the  following  letters : 

VALPARAISO,  April  4th,  1814 

SIR, 

I  have  received  a  paper  signed  by  you,  dated  yesterday, 
stating,  that  you  had  exchanged  certain  wounded  prisoners, 
making  part  of  my  crew,  for  the  captain  and  crew  of  the  prize 
ship  Sir  Andrew  Hammond,  which  paper  I  have  taken  the  liberty 
to  return  to  you,  and  protest  in  the  strongest  terms  against  such 
arrangement. 

In  the  first  place,  the  wounded  and  helpless  individuals  therein 
named,  do  not  wish  such  exchange ;  one  died  last  night  and  several 
others  expect  to  share  his  fate. 

Secondly,  should  I  from  my  circumstances  be  separated  from 
them,  which  would  be  more  likely  to  be  the  case  than  if  they 
remained  prisoners,  their  situation  would  be  more  deplorable  than 
it  is  at  present. 

Thirdly,  this  arrangement  has  been  made  without  my  consent, 
and  on  terms  far  from  offering  equal  advantages  to  the  United 
States. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

D.  PORTER. 

Com.  James  Jlillvar,  commanding1 

H.  B.  M's  frig-ate  Phoebe. 


HIS  BRITANNIC  MAJESTY'S  SHIP  PIICEBE, 

Valparaiso,  April  4th,  1814. 

SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  letter 
of  this  day's  date,  protesting  against  the  arrangement  I  made  in 
the  paper  you  returned,  and  to  express  a  regret  that  my  wish, 
whicn  was  to  alleviate  and  not  to  increase  the  afflictions  of  your 
wounded  officers  and  crew,  has  failed  of  being  gratified.  I  am 
sorry  you  have  thought  proper  to  mention  the  dead  and  dying, 
as  I  so  fully  explained  to  you  this  morning,  that  in  the  event  of 
the  loss  of  any,  other  names  should  be  added  to  the  list.  I  shall 
now  direct  captain  David  Porter  to  consider  himself  still  a  prison 
er  of  war  on  his  parole  ;  but  as  I  have  ordered  the  people  to  go 
onboard  the  Essex  to  work,  under  the  impression  that  no.difficul- 
ty  would  arise,  I  will  liberate  in  exchange  for  them  an  equal 
number  of  prisoners,  as  their  names,  being  seamen,  shall  be  found 
to  follow  each  other  on  your  late  ship's  books,  and  give  up  also 
two  mates  or  midshipmen,  for  the  two  mates  of  the  English  party. 
I  hope  this  may  prove  satisfactory  to  your  government  and  self. 

I  am  yours,  &c. 

JAMES  HILLYAR. 

Captain  D.  Porter. 


361 

VALPARAISO,  April  5th,  1814. 
-SIR, 

The  arrangement  which  you  have  suggested  respecting  the 
exchange  of  the  seamen  of  the  Sir  Andrew  Hammond,  for  an 
equal  number  of  the  seamen  of  the  late  United  States'  frigate 
Essex,  as  they  s*and  on  the  list  furnished  you,  is  perfectly  satis 
factory.  It  will  be  a  great  satisfaction  to  the  three  officers  who 
accompany  the  Essex,  to  know,  that  after  your  object  in  taking 
them  with  you  shall  be  effected,  there  will  be  no  difficulty  in  their 
proceeding  immediately  for  the  United  States ;  I  take  the  liberty 
therefore  to  suggest  that  they  might  be  exchanged  here  for  captain 
William  Porter  and  his  three  mates.  This  will  be  an  accommo 
dation  to  all  parties,  arid  reconcile  the  officers  so  exchanged  to  a 
separation  from  their  friends. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

DAVID  PORTER, 

€om.  James  Hillyar,  commanding- 

H.  B.  M's  frigate  Phoebe. 

NEW  YO11K,  July  13th,  1814 

SIR, 

There  are  some  facts  relating  to  our  enemy,  and  al though 
not  connected  with  the  action  tend  to  show  his  perfidy,  and  should 
be  known. 

On  commodore  Hillyar's  arrival  at  Valparaiso,  he  ran  the 
Phcebe  close  along  side  the  Essex,  and  enquired  politely  after  my 
health,  observing  that  his  ship  was  cleared  for  action,  and  his  men. 
prepared  for  boarding.  I  observed,  "  Sir,  if  you,  by  any  accident, 
get  on  board  of  me,  I  assure  you  that  great  confusion  will  take 
place  ;  I  am  prepared  to  receive  you,  but  shall  only  act  on  the 
defensive."  He  observed  coolly  and  indifferently,  "  Oh,  sir,  I  have 
no  such  intention ;"  at  this  instant  his  ship  took  aback  on  my 
starboard  bow,  her  yards  nearly  locking  with  those  of  the  Essex, 
I  called  all  hands  to  board  the  enemy  ;  and  in  an  instant  my  crew 
were  ready  to  spring  on  her  decks.  Commodore  Hillyar  exclaim 
ed,  with  great  agitation,  "  I  had  no  intention  of  coming  so  near 
you.  I  am  sorry  I  came  so  near  you."  His  ship  fell  off  with  the 
jib-boom  over  my  decks ;  her  bows  exposed  to  my  broadside,  her 
stern  to  the  fire  of  the  Essex  Junior,  her  crew  in  the  greatest  con 
fusion;  and  in  fifteen  minutes  I  could  have  taken  or  destroyed  her. 
After  he  had  brought  his  ship  to  anchor,  commodore  Hillyar  and 
captain  Tucker,  of  the  Cherub,  visited  me  on  shore,  when  I  asked 
him  if  he  intended  to  respect  the  neutrality  of  the  port.  "  Sir," 
said  he,  "  you  have  paid  such  respect  to  the  neutrality  of  this  port 
that  I  feel  myself  bound,  in  honour,  to  do  the  same." 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

DAVID  PORTER. 
The  Secretar   of  the  Nav. 


362 

yt'is  deemed  proper  to  introduce  the  following  letters  in  this  place,  as  they 
are  the  sequel  of  captain  Porter's  cruize  in  the  Pacific. — E.DITOB.] 

NEW  YORK,  August  28th,  1815. 

SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  inform  you  that  on  the  1 2th  of  Decem 
ber,  1813,  (the  day  on  which  the  Essex  frigate  and  Essex  Junior 
took  their  departure  from  Nooaheevah,)  I  was  left  in  Port  Anna 
Maria  Bay,  with  eighteen  men  under  my  command,  and  six  pri 
soners  of  war  in  charge  of  the  establishment  on  shore,  together 
with  the  prize  ships  Greenwich,  Seringapatam,  Sir  Andrew  Ham 
mond,  and  New  Zealander,  with  orders  from  captain  Porter  to 
remain  five  and  a  half  calendar  months  at  that  place;  at  the  ex 
piration  of  which  time,  should  he  not  return  or  send  me  further 
instructions  how  to  act,  I  was,  if  possible,  to  man  two  of  the  ships, 
and  after  taking  every  article  of  value  out  of  the  other  and  burn 
ing  her,  repair  to  the  port  of  Valparaiso,  where,  in  the  event  of 
not  finding  the  frigate,  or  additional  orders,  I  was  authorized  to 
dispose  of  one  of  the  ships  to  the  best  advantage,  and  take  all  the 
men  under  my  charge,  as  well  as  the  prize  crews  of  the  different 
ships  then  in  that  port,  on  board  of  the  other,  and  proceed  to  the 
United  States. 

After  receiving  these  instructions  my  first  object  was,  agreea 
bly  to  captain  Porter's  wish,  to  fill  the  New  Zealander  with  oil 
from  the  other  ships,  and  on  the  28th  day  of  December,  she  took 
her  departure  for  the  United  States,  with  a  cargo  of  1950  barrels, 
and  well  found  in  every  respect  for  so  long  a  voyage. 

It  is  with  regret  I  inform  you,  that  the  frigate  had  scarcely  got 
clear  of  the  Marquesas,  before  we  discovered  a  hostile  dispo 
sition  in  the  natives,  and  in  a  few  days  they  became  so  insolent, 
that  I  found  it  absolutely  necessary,  not  only  for  the  security  of 
the  ships  and  property  on  shore,  but  for  our  personal  safety,  to 
land  my  men  and  regain  by  force  of  arms  the  numerous  articles 
they  had  in  the  most  daring  manner  stolen  from  the  encampment; 
and  what  was  of  still  greater  importance,  to  prevent,  if  possible, 
the  execution  of  threats,  which  might  have  been  attended  with 
very  serious  consequences  to  us,  as  duty  required  my  men  to  be 
much  separated.  I,  however,  had  the  satisfaction  to  accomplish 
iny  wish  without  firing  a  musket,  and  from  that  time  lived  in  per 
fect  amity  with  them,  until  the  7th  day  of  May  folio  wing,  when 
iny  distressed  situation  had  nearly  placed  me  in  their  power.  Be 
fore,  however,  mentioning  the  lamentable  events  of  that  and  the 
two  following  days,  I  will  give  you  a  brief  account  of  a  few  pre 
ceding  occurrences,  which  were  sources  of  great  uneasiness: 

The  first  was  the  death  of  John  Witter,  (a  faithful  old  marine 
who  was  unfortunately  drowned  in  the  surf  on  the  28th  of  Februa 
ry,)  and  the  desertion  of  four  of  my  men;  one  of  them,  a  black 
named  Isaac  Coffin,  had  deserted  from  the  Essex  the  day  before 
she  left  the  bay,  and  was  then  a  prisoner  for  making  the  second 
attempt.  They  took  advantage  of  a  dark  night,  and  left  the  bay 


363 

in  a  whale  boat,  unobserved,  (all,  except  the  prisoner,  having  tlie 
watch  on  deck),  and  carried  off  several  muskets,  a  supply  of  am 
munition,  and  many  things  of  but  little  value.  I  was  prevented 
from  pursuing  them,  as  they  had  in  a  measure  destroyed  the  only 
remaining  boat  at  that  time  seaworthy. 

On  the  12th  of  April  we  commenced  rigging  the  Seringapatam,, 
and  Sir  Andrew  Hammond,  which,  as  I  had  calculated,  kept  the- 
men  employed  until  the  1st  of  May.  All  hands  were  then  engag 
ed  in  removing  the  remainder  of  the  property  from  the  Green 
wich  to  the  Seringapatam,  as  I  began  to  despair  of  being  rejoined 
by  the  frigate  at  that  place. 

The  work  went  on  well,  and  the  men  were  obedient  to  my  or 
ders,  though  I  discovered  an  evident  change  in  their  countenances 
which  led  me  to  suppose  that  there  was  something  wrong  in  agi 
tation.  Under  that  impression  I  caused  all  the  muskets,  ammu 
nition,  and  small  arms  of  every  description,  to  be  removed  from 
the  other  ships  to  the  Greenwich,  (the  one  on  board  of  which  1 
lived,)  as  a  necessary  precaution  against  a  surprise  from  my  own 
men. 

On  the  7th  of  May,  while  on  board  the  Seringapatam,  on  duty 
which  required  my  presence,  I  was  suddenly  and  violently  at 
tacked  by  the  men  employed  in  that  ship.  After  struggling  a 
short  time  and  receiving  many  bruizes,  I  was  prostrated  on  the 
deck  and  my  hands  and  legs  tied.  They  then  threw  me  on  the 
second  deck,  thence  dragged  me  into  the  cabin  and  confined  me 
in  the  run.  Midshipman  Feltus,  and  acting  midshipman  Clapp, 
were  in  a  few  minutes  after  thrown  in,  tied  in  the  same  manner  a» 
myself;  the  scuttle  was  then  nailed  down  and  a  sentinel  placed 
over  it.  After  spiking  all  the  guns  of  the  Greenwich  and  of  the  Fort, 
and  those  of  the  Sir  Andrew  Hammond  that  were  loaded;  plun 
dering  the  ships  of  every  thing  valuable  ;  committing  many  wan 
ton  depredations  on  shore ;  taking  all  the  arms  and  ammunition 
from  the  Greenwich ;  sending  for  Robert  White,  who  was  turned 
ashore  from  the  Essex  for  mutinous  conduct ;  and  bending  all  the 
necessary  sails  ;  they  stood  out  of  the  bay  with  a  light  wind  off 
the  land.  My  fellow  prisoners  and  myself  were  shortly  after 
taken  out  of  the  run  and  placed  in  the  cabin,  under  the  immediate 
charge  of  several  men.  I  then  learned  the  names  of  the  mutineers, 
and  assure  you,  sir,  even  in  my  truly  painful  situation,  it  afforded 
me  no  small  degree  of  consolation,  that  there  were  no  Americans 
among  them. 

The  following  are  the  names  of  the  mutineers  and  prisoners  of 
war  : — Thomas  Belcher,  boatswain's  mate,  Englishman ;  James 
Ban  turn,  negro;  Martin  Stanley,  foreigner:  Robert  George,  Jo 
seph  Curtis,  Richard  Power,  and  Jeremiah  Workman,  English 
men,  (who  entered  on  board  the  Essex  from  the  whaling  ships 
captured  in  the  Pacific  Ocean,)  and  Robert  White,  mutineer. — 
Prisoners,  William  Clarke,  Lewis  Ransford,  James  Morrison, 
William  Stiles,  James  Duncan,  and 


364 

Shortly  after  getting  clear  of  the  bay,  one  of  the  sentinels,  (al 
though  repeatedly  cautioned  against  putting  his  finger  on  the  trig- 
fer)  fired  a  pistol,  the  contents  of  which  passed  through  my  left 
eel  a  little  below  the  ancle  bone.     As  soon  as  the  men  on  deck 
heard  the  report,  they  immediately  pointed  their  muskets  down 
the  sky-light  and  were  in  the  act  of  firing,  but  were  prevented  by 
the  sentinel,   who  told  them  that  the  pistol  was  accidentally  dis 
charged. 

At  nine  o'clock,  the  night  dark,  and  the  wind  blowing  fresh, 
after  receiving  (by  request)  from  the  mutineers  a  barrel  of  powder 
and  three  old  muskets,  I  was  put  into  a  leaky  boat,  in  which  I 
found  my  unfortunate  companions,  and  the  only  two  Americans 
that  were  in  the  ship  at  the  time  the  mutiny  took  place,  the  others 
being  employed  on  board  the  Greenwich,  and  on  shore,  in  {ratting 
the  arms  in  order,  baking  bread,  and  doing  other  work  which  re 
quired  the  most  trusty.  In  this  situation,  after  rowing  at  least 
six  miles,  and  every  person  exhausted  from  the  great  exertions 
made  to  keep  the  boat  from  sinking,  we  reached  the  Greenwich, 
where  1  found  the  few  remaining  men  anxiously  looking  out  for 
me,  and  seriously  alarmed  at  the  conduct  of  the  savages,  who  had 
already  begun  to  plunder  the  encampment,  and  been  informed  by 
Wilson,  (a  man  who  had  lived  among  them  for  several  years,  and 
•who,  as  1  afterwards  learned,  was  not  only  instrumental  in  pro 
moting  the  mutiny,  but,  in  my  absence,  plundered  the  Sir  Andrew 
Hammond)  of  our  defenceless  situation. 

Finding  it  impossible  to  comply  with  that  part  of  my  instruc 
tions,  directing  me  to  remain  in  the  bay  until  the  27th  of  May,  I 
thought  it  most  advisable  to  repair  to  the  port  of  Valparaiso,  and 
with  that  view,  all  hands,  assisted  by  George  Ross  and  William 
Brudenell,  (who  were  living  on  the  island  for  the  purpose  of  col 
lecting  sandal  wood,)  exerted  themselves  in  making  the  necessary 
preparations  to  depart.  My  first  object  was  to  put  the  Sir  An 
drew  Hammond  in  such  a  situation,  that  we  might  get  under  way 
at  any  moment.  After  which,  all  hands  were  engaged  in  getting 
the  few  articles  of  value  from  shore,  and  in  endeavouring  to  reco 
ver  the  property  stolen  from  the  Sir  Andrew  Hammond,  when  the 


den  ell,  were  massacred,  and  Peter  Coddingt6n  dangerously 
wounded,  who,  with  William  Worth,  made  his  escape  by  swim 
ming  some  distance,  when  they  were  both  taken  out  of  the  water 
by  acting  midshipman  Clapp,  and  the  three  remaining  men.  Our 
situation  at  this  moment  was  most  desperate.  The  savages  put 
off  in  every  direction  for  the  purpose  of  intercepting  the  boat  and 
boarding  the  ship,  but  were  driven  back  by  my  firing  the  few  guns 
we  had  just  before  loaded  with  grape  and  cannister  shot.  Before 
the  boat  returned  and  the  guns  w  ere  re-loaded  they  made  a  second 
attempt,  arid  afterwards  repeated  efforts,  first  to  board  the  Green,- 


365 

\vich  and  then  the  Sir  Andrew  Hammond,  but  were  repulsed  by 
our  keeping  up  a  constant  lire.  During  this  time  several  hun 
dred  were  employed  in  pulling  down  the  houses  and  plundering 
the  encampment,  whilst  others  were  in  the  fort,  endeavouring  (as 
sisted  by  Wilson,  who  had  received  several  casks  of  ponder  from 
the  mutineers)  to  get  the  spikes  out  of  the  guns.  As  soon  as 
William  Worth  had  recovered  a  little  strength,  after  having  been 
so  long  in  the  water,  I  sent  the  boat  to  the  Greenwich  for  John 
Pettin^er,  a  sick  man,  and  some  things  that  were  indispensably 
necessary,  with  orders  to  burn  that  ship  and  return  with  all  pos 
sible  despatch,  as  our  ammunition  was  nearly  expended,  and  we 
had  no  other  means  of  keeping  the  savages  one  moment  out  of  the 
ship.  We  then  bent  the  jib  and  spanker,  cut  the  moorings,  and 
luckily  had  a  light  breeze,  which  carried  us  clear  of  the  bay,  with 
only  six  cartridges  remaining. 

We  now  found  our  situation  most  distressing,  for  in  attempting 
to  run  the  boat  up  she  broke  in  two  parts,  and  we  were  compelled 
to  cut  away  from  the  bows  the  only  remaining  anchor,  not  being- 
able  to  cast  it.  We  mustered  altogether  eight  souls,  of  whom 
there  were  one  cripple  confined  to  his  bed  ;  one  man  dangerously 
wounded;  one  sick;  one  convalescent  (a  feeble  old  man  just  re 
covering  from  the  scurvy) ;  and  myself  unable  to  lend  any  further 
assistance,  the  exertions  of  the  day  having  inflamed  my  wound 
so  much  as  to  produce  a  violent  fever;  leaving  midshipman  Clapp 
and  two  men  only  capable  of  doing  duty. 

In  that  state,  destitute  of  charts,  and  of  every  means  of  getting 
to  windward,  I  saw  but  one  alternative;  to  run  the  trade  winds 
down,  and,  if  possible,  make  the  Sandwich  islands,  in  hopes  of 
either  falling  in  with  some  of  the  Canton  ships  (that  being  their 
principal  place  of  rendezvous)  or  of  obtaining  some  assistance  from 
Tamaahmaah,  king  of  the  Windward  Islands.  No  time  was  lost 
in  bending  the  topsails,  and  on  the  10th  of  May  we  took  our 
departure  from  Robert's  Island,  on  the  25th  of  the  same  month 
made  Owhyhee,  and  on  the  30th,  after  suffering  much,  came  to 
anchor  in  Whytetee  Bay,  at  the  Island  of  Woahoo.  1  here  found 
captain  Winship,  several  officers  of  ships,  and  a  number  of  men, 
from  whom  (particularly  captain  W.)  1  received  every  assistance 
their  situations  could  afford  me.  The  natives,  though  at  first 
surprised  at  our  deplorable  condition,  and  inquisitive  to  know  the 
cause,  of  which  I  did  not  think  prudent  to  inform  them,  supplied 
the  ship  with  fresh  meat,  fruits  and  vegetables,  partly  on  condition 
that  I  would  take  the  chief  man  of  the  island  and  some  others, 
with  their  property  up  to  the  Windward  Island,  where  I  found  it 
necessary  to  go  (after  shipping  some  men)  in  order  to  procure  from, 
the  king,  a  supply  of  provision^.  Thence,  it  was  my  intention  to 
have  proceeded  to  Valparaiso,  in  compliance  with  my  instructions 
from  captain  Porter,  but  I  was  unfortunately  captured  on  the 
passage  by  the  English  ship  Cherub,  of  twenty  guns.  1  was  some 
what  surprised  to  hear  captain  Tucker  say  (when  I  pointed  out 


366 

a  valuable  canoe  and  many  other  articles,  which  I  assured  him 
was  the  property  of  the  natives,  and  that  I  was  merely  conveying 
them  and  it  from  one  island  to  the  other,  the  weather  being  too 
boisterous  at  that  time  for  them  to  make  the  passage  in  their 
canoes)  that  every  thing  found  in  a  prize  ship  belonged  to  the 
captors.  I  thus  had  the  mortification  to  see  the  people,  from 
whom  I  had  received  so  much  kindness,  sent  on  shore,  deprived 
of  all  they  had  been  collecting  for  twelve  months,  and  were  about 
to  present  to  their  king  as  a  tribute. 

The  Cherub  proceeded  to  Atooi,  where  she  captured  the  ship 
Charon,  and  made  many  fruitless  attempts  to  get  the  cargo  of  that 
ship,  and  of  several  others  which  had  been  deposited  on  the  island 
under  the  immediate  protection  of  the  king  of  the  Leeward 
Islands.  She  took  her  departure  on  the  15th  of  July,  and  on  the 
28th  of  November  arrived  at  Rio  de  Janeiro  with  her  prizes, 
touching  on  the  passage  for  refreshments  at  Otaheite  and  Valpa 
raiso.  During  Jier  stay  at  the  latter  place,  the  frigates  Britton 
and  Tagus  arrived  from  the  Marquesas,  where  they  had  been  in 
search  of  the  ships  left  under  my  charge.  On  the  15th  of  Decem 
ber  the  prisoners  were  sent  on  shore,  having  received  the  most 
rigorous  treatment  from  captain  Tucker  during  their  long  confine 
ment  in  his  ship,  and  the  greater  part  of  them,  like  the  natives, 
left  destitute  of  every  thing,  save  the  clothes  on  their  backs.  The 
men  belonging  to  the  Essex  had  little  to  lose,  but  those  I  shipped 
at  "Woahoo,  had  received  in  part  money  and  goods,  for  one,  two,, 
and  some  of  them  three  years  services  in  the  Canton  ships. 

OH  the  15th  of  May  (by  the  advice  of  a  physician  who  attended 
me,)  I  took  my  departure  from  Rio  de  Janeiro  in  a  Swedish  ship, 
bound  to  Havre  de  Grace,  leaving  behind  acting  midshipman 
Benjamin  Clapp  and  five  men,  having  lost  one  soon  after  my 
arrival  at  that  place,  with  the  small  pox.  No  opportunity  had 
previously  offered  by  which  I  could  possibly  leave  that  place,  the 
English  admiral  on  that  station,  being  determined  to  prevent,  by 
every  means  in  his  power,  American  prisoners  returning  to  their 
own  country. 

On  the  10th  instant,  in  latitude  47  north  and  longitude  18  west, 
I  took  passage  on  board  the  ship  Oliver  El 8 worth,  captain  Roberts, 
15  days  from  IJavre  de  Grace,  bound  to  New  York. 

I  arrived  here  last  evening,  and  have  the  honour  to  await,  either 
the  orders  of  the  Navy  Department  or  the  commandant  of  the 
marine  corps. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

JOHN  M.  GAMBLE. 

The  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 

UNITED  STAThS'  FRIGATE  ESSEX,  AT  SF,A, 

July  14th,  1813. 
Sill, 

Allow  me  to  return  to  you  my  thanks  for  your  handsome 
conduct  in  bringing  the  Seringapatam  to  action,  which  greatly 


367 

facilitated  her  capture,  while  it  prevented  the  possibility  of  hei: 
escape. 

Be  assured,  sir,  I  shall  make  a  suitable  representation  of  the 
affair  to  the  honourable  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 

With  the  greatest  respect,  &c. 

D.  PORTER*. 
Lieut.  John  M.  Gamble,  commanding 

the  prize  ship  Greenwich. 


NAVY  COMMISSIONERS*  OFFICE,  February  10th,  1816, 
SIR, 

Captain  John  M.  Gamble  of  the  marines  served  with  me  in 
the  Essex,  from  the  time  of  my  taking  command  of  that  vessel., 
until  my  departure  from  Madison's  Island  ;  during  the  whole  of 
which  his  conduct  was  such  as  to  entitle  him  to  my  respect,  as  an 
officer  and  a  gentleman.  During  a  great  part  of  my  cruize  in  the 
South  Seas,  captain  (then  lieutenant)  Gamble,  continued  in  com 
mand  of  one  ot  my  most  valuable  prizes,  and  while  in  that  situa 
tion  brought  to  action  with  an  inferior  force,  and  caused  to  sur 
render,  an  armed  vessel  of  the  enemy,  which  had  long  been  the 
terror  of  the  American  ships,  which  had  been  engaged  in  com 
mercial  and  other  pursuits  in  that  ocean. 

Honourable  mention  was  made  of  this  affair  to  the  Secretary  of 
the  Navy,  but  by  the  capture  of  the  vessel,  the  account  was  lost,, 
and  of  course  never  reached  the  United  States. 

Captain  Gamble  at  all  times  greatly  distinguished  himself  by 
Iris  activity  in  every  enterprize  engaged  in  by  the  force  under  mj 
command,  and  in  many  critical  encounters  by  the  natives  of  Mad 
ison's  Island,  rendered  essential  services,  and  at  all  times  distin 
guished  himself  by  his  coolness  and  bravery.  I  therefore  do« 
with  pleasure,  recommend  him  to  the  department  as  an  officer  de 
serving  of  its  patronage. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

DAVID  PORTER. 
Hon.  B.  W.  Crowniushield,  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 


NAVY  COMM1SSIONKRS'  OFFICE,  February  28th,  1816, 

SIR, 

Captain  Gamble  of  the  marine  corps,  has  informed  me  thaf 
he  had  understood  it  to  be  your  wish  that  I  should  state  my  opini 
on  positively,  whether  I  think  him  entitled  to  a  brevet  for  the  ser 
vices  rendered.  Making  part  of  the  department,  motives  of  deli 
cacy  prevented  my  doing  so  before,  but  I  now  avail  myself  of  the 
opportunity  of  assuring  you,  that  no  marine  officer  in  the  service, 
ever  had  such  strong  claims  as  captain  Gamble,  and  that  none 
have  been  placed  in  such  conspicuous  and  critical  situations,  and 


368 

that  none  could  have  extricated  themselves  from  them  more  to 
their  honour. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  £c. 

D.  PORTER. 
Honourable  13.  W.  Crowninshield, 

Secretary  of  the  Navy. 


HEAD  QUARTERS,  CHIPPEWA  PLAINS,  July  7th,  1814. 
DEAR  SIR, 

On  the  2d  instant  I  issued  my  order  for  crossing  the  Niagara 
river,  and  made  the  arrangements  deemed  necessary  for  securing 
the  garrison  of  fort  Erie.  On  the  3d  that  post  surrendered  at 
5  P.  M.  Our  loss  in  this  affair  was  four  of  the  25th  regiment 
under  major  Jessup,  of  brigadier  general  Scott's  brigade,  wounded. 
I  have  enclosed  a  return  of  the  prisoners,  of  the  ordnance,  and 
ordnance  stores  captured. 

To  secure  my  rear,  I  have  placed  a  garrison  in  this  fort,  and 
requested  captain  Kennedy  to  station  his  vessels  near  the  post. 

On  the  morning  of  the  4th,  brigadier  general  Scott,  with  his 
brigade  and  a  corps  of  artillery,  was  ordered  to  advance  towards 
Chippewa,  and  be  governed  by  circumstances  ;  taking  care  to 
secure  a  good  military  position  for  the  night.  After  some  skir 
mishing  with  the  enemy,  he  selected  this  plain  with  the  eye  of  a 
soldier,  his  right  resting  on  the  river,  and  a  ravine  being  in  front. 
At  1  1  at  night,  I  joined  him  with  the  reserve  under  general  Rip- 
ley,  our  field  and  battering  train,  and  corps  of  artillery  under 
major  Hind  man.  General  Porter  arrived  the  next  morning  with 
a  part  of  the  New  York  and  Pennsylvania  volunteers,  and  some 
of  the  warriors  of  the  Six  Nations. 

Early  in  the  morning  of  the  5th,  the  enemy  commenced  a  petty 
war  upon  our  pickets,  and,  as  he  was  indulged,  his  presumption 
increased;  by  noon  he  showed  himself  on  the  left  of  our  extensive 
line,  and  attacked  one  of  our  pickets  as  it  was  returning  to  camp. 
Captain  Treat,  who  commanded  it,  retired  disgracefully,  leaving 
a  wounded  man  on  the  ground.  Captain  Biddle,  of  the  artillery, 
who  was  near  the  scene,  impelled  by  feelings  highly  honourable 
to  him  as  a  soldier  and  officer,  promptly  assumed  the  command 
of  this  picket,  led  it  back  to  the  wounded  man,  and  brought  him 
off  the  field.  I  ordered  captain  Treat,  on  the  spot,  to  retire  from 
the  army,  and  as  I  am  anxious  that  no  officers  shall  remain  under 
in;  command  who  can  be  suspected  of  cowardice,  I  advise  that 
captain  Treat,*  and  lieutenant——,  who  was  also  with  the 
picket,  be  struck  from  the  rolls  of  the  army. 

At  4  o'clock  in  the  afternooon,  agreeably  to  a  plan  I  had  given 
general  Porter,  he  advanced  from  the  rear  of  our  camp,  with  the 
volunteers  and  Indians  (taking  the  woods  in  order  to  keep  out  of 
view  of  the  enemy),  with  the  hope  of  bringing  his  pickets  and 


*rnpta'm  Trent  \vas  tried  by  a  co'.irt  martial  and  honourably  acquitted; 


36* 

Scouting  parties  between  his  [Porter's]  line  of  march,  and  our 
camp.  As  Porter  moved,  I  ordered  the  parties  advanced  in  front 
of  our  camp  to  fall  back  gradually,  under  the  enemy's  fire,  in 
order  to  draw  him,  if  possible,  up  to  our  line.  About  half  past  4, 
the  advance  of  general  Porter's  command  met  the  light  parties  of 
the  enemy  in  the  woods,  upon  our  extreme  left.  The  enemy  were 
driven,  and  Porter  advancing  near  to  Chippewa,  met  their  whole 
column  in  order  of  battle.  From  the  cloud  of  dust  rising,  and  the 
heavy  tiring,  I  was  led  to  conclude  that  the  entire  force  of  the 
enemy  was  in  march,  and  prepared  for  action.  I  immediately 
ordered  general  Scott  to  advance  with  his  brigade,  and  Towson's 
artillery,  and  meet  them  upon  the  plain  in  front  of  our  camp. 
The  general  did  not  expect  to  be  gratified  with  a  field  engagement. 
He  advanced  in  the  most  prompt  and  officer-like  style,  and  in  a 
few  minutes  was  in  close  action  upon  the  plain,  with  a  superior 
force  of  British  regular  troops.  By  this  time  general  Porter's 
command  had  given  way,  and  fled  in  every  direction,  notwith 
standing  his  personal  gallantry,  and  great  exertions  to  stay  their 
flight.  The  retreat  of  the  volunteers  and  Indians  caused  the  left 
flank  of  general  Scott's  brigade  to  be  greatly  exposed.  Captain 
Harris,  with  his  dragoons,  was  directed  to  stop  the  fugitives, 
behind  the  ravin*  fronting  our  camp  ;  and  I  sent  colonel  Gardner 
to  order  general  Ripley  to  advance  with  the  21st  regiment  which 
formed  part  of  the  reserve,  pass  to  the  left  of  our  camp,  skirt  the 
woods  so  as  to  keep  out  of  view,  and  fall  upon  the  rear  of  the 
enemy's  right  flank.  This  order  was  promptly  obeyed,  and  the 
greatest  exertions  were  made  by  the  21st  regiment  to  gain  their 
position,  and  close  with  the  enemy,  but  in  vain  ;  for  such  was  the 
zeal  and  gallantry  of  the  line  commanded  by  general  Scott,  that 
its  advance  upon  the  enemy  was  not  to  be  checked.  Major 
Jessup,  commanding  the  left  flank  battalion,  finding  himself  press 
ed  in  front  and  in  flank,  and  his  men  falling  fast  around  him, 
ordered  his  battalion  to  "support  arms  and  advance;"  the  order 
was  promptly  obeyed,  amidst  the  most  deadly  and  destructive 
fire.  He  gained  a  more  secure  position,  and  returned  upon  the 
enemy  so  galling  a  discharge,  as  caused  them  to  retire.  By  this 
time,  the;*  whole  line  was  falling  back,  and  our  gallant  soldiers 
pressing  upon  them  as  fast  as  possible.  As  soon  as  the  enemy 
had  gained  the  sloping  ground  descending  towards  Clv.ppewa, 
and  distant  a  quarter  of  a  mile,  he  broke  and  ran  to  gain  his 
works.  In  this  effort  he  was  too  successful,  and  the  guns  from 
his  batteries  opening  immediately  upon  our  line,  checked  in  some 
degree  the  pursuit.  At  this  moment  I  resolved  to  bring  up  all  my 
ordnance,  and  force  the  place  by  a  direct  attack,  and  gave  the 
order  accordingly.  Major  Wood,  of  the  corps  of  engineers,  and 
my  aid,  captain  Austin,  rode  to  the  bank  of  the  creek  towards 
the  right  of  their  line  of  works,  and  examined  them.  I  was  in 
duced  by  their  report,  the  lateness  of  the  hour,  and  the  advice  of 
general  Scott  and  major  Wood,  to  order  the  forces  to  retire  to  ca,mp. 
47 


370 

My  most  difficult  duty  remains  to  be  performed  ;  I  am  depress 
ed  with  the  fe.ir  of  not  being  able  to  do  justice  to  n  y  brave  compa 
nions  in  arms,  and  apprehensive,  that  some  who  had  an  opportu 
nity  of  distinguishing  themselves,  and  promptly  embraced  it,  will 
escape  my  notice. 

Brigadier  general  Scott  is  entitled  to  the  highest  praise  our 
country  can  bestow  :  to  him,  more  than  any  other  man,  I  am 
indebted  for  the  victory  of  the  5th  of  July.  His  brigade  has 
covered  itself  with  glory.  Every  officer  and  every  man  of  the 
9th  and  22d,  llth  and  25th  regiments,  did  liis  duty,  with  a  zeal 
and  energy,  worthy  of  the  American  character.  When  every 
officer  stands  so  pre-eminently/  high  in  the  path  of  his  duty  and 
honour,  it  is  impossible  to  discriminate,  but  I  cannot  deprive  my 
self  of  the  pleasure  of  saying,  that  major  Lavenworth  commanded 
the  9th  and  22d,  major  Jessup  the  25th,  and  major  M/Neil  the 
llth.  Colonel  Campbell  was  wounded  early  in  the  action,  gal 
lantly  leading  on  his  regiment. 

The  family  of  general  Scott  wrere  conspicuous  in  the  field  ; 
lieutenant  Smith  of  the  6th  infantry,  major  of  brigade,  and  lieu 
tenants  Worth  and  "Watts, his  aids/ 

From  general  Ripley  arid  his  brigade,  I  received  every  assist 
ance  that  1  gave  them  an  opportunity  of  rendering.  I  did  not 
order  any  part  of  the  reserve  into  action,  until  general  Porter's 
command  had  given  way,  and  then  general  Scott's  movements 
were  so  rapid  and  decisive,  that  general  Ripley  could  not  get  up 
in  time  with  the  21st,  to  the  position  as  directed.  The  corps  of 
artillery  under  major  Hindman,  were  not  generally  in  action  ; 
this  was  not  their  fault.  Captain  Towson's  company  was  the 
only  one  that  had  a  full  opportunity  of  distinguishing  itself,  and 
it  is  believed,  that  no  company  ever  embraced  an  opportunity  with 
more  zeal  or  more  success. 

A  detachment  from  the  2d  brigade  under  the  command  of  lieute- 
jiant  M'Donald,  penetrated  the  woods  with  the  Indians  and  volun 
teers,  and  for  their  support.  The  conduct  of  M'Donald  and  his 
command  reflects  high  honour  on  the  brigade  to  which  they  belong. 

The  conduct  of  general  Porter  has  been  conspicuously  gallant. 
Every  assistance  in  his  power  to  afford,  with  the  description  of 
force  under  his  command,  has  been  rendered.  We  could  not 
expect  him  to  contend  with  the  British  column  of  regulars  which 
appeared  upon  the  plains  of  Chippewa.  It  was  no  cause  of  sur 
prise  to  me,  to  see  his  command  retire  before  this  column. 

Justice  forbids  that  I  should  omit  to  name  my  own  family 
They  vield  to  none  in  honourable  zeal,  intelligence,  and  atten 
tion  to  duty.  Colonel  Gardner,  major  Jones,  and  my  aids,  cap 
tains  Austin  and  Spencer,  have  been  as  active  and  as  much  de 
voted  to  the  cause  as  any  officers  of  the  army.  Their  conduct 
merits  my  warmest  acknowledgments ;  of  Gardner  and  Jones  I 
shall  have  occasion  again  to  speak  to  you. 


871 

Major  Camp,  deputy  quarter  master  general,  deserves  my  par* 
ticular  notice  and  approbation.  By  his  great  exertions,  I  was 
enabled  to  find  the  means  of  crossing.  Captain  Daliba,  of  the 
ordnance  department,  has  rendered  every  service  in  his  power. 

The  inclosed  return  will  show  you  our  loss,  and  furnish  you 
with  the  names  of  the  dead  and  wounded  officers.  These  gallant 
men  must  not  be  forgotten.  Our  country  will  remember  them, 
and  do  them  justice. 

With  great  respect,  &c. 

JACOB  BROWN, 

Hon.  John  Armstrong1,  Secretary  of  War 

INSPECTOR  GENERAL'S  OFFICE,  H.  Q.  LEFT  DIVISION, 

Chippewa,  July  9th,  1814. 

Return  of  the  killed,  wounded,  and  prisoners,  of  the  enemy,  in  the 
action  of  the  5th  instant,  fought  on  the  plains  within  half  a  mile 
of  Chippewa,  between  the  left  division  of  the  United  States9  ar 
my,  commanded  by  major  general  Brown,  and  the  English  forces, 
under  the  command  of  major  general  Riall. 

KILLED.  —  Three  captains,  three  subalterns,  and  eighty-seven 
rank  and  file  of  the  regular  troops. 

WOUNDED.  —  Two  captains  of  the  1st  Royal  Scots,  one  lieute 
nant  of  the  100th  regiment,  and  seventy  -two  rank  and  file  of  the 
Royal  Scots,  8th  and  100th  regiments. 

PRISONERS.  —  One  captain  of  the  Indians,  and  nine  rank  and 
file  of  the  regulars. 

KILLED  IN  THE  WOODS.  —  Of  the  Indians  eighty-seven,  of  the. 
militia  and  regulars  eighteen. 

INDIAN  PRISONERS.  —  One  chief  and  four  privates. 


Killed, 

Wounded  and  ? 
Prisoners,     3 
Prisoners, 


Recapitulation. 
Captains.     Subalterns. 


298 


Total  of  the  enemj  placed  hors  de  combat,  that  we  have  ascer 
tained  beyond  a  doubt,  6  captains,  4  subalterns,  and  298  rank  and 
file.  Those  reported  under  the  head  of  wounded  and  prisoners, 
were  so  severely  injured,  that  it  would  have  been  impracticable 
for  them  to  have  escaped.  The  enemy  had  the  same  facilities  of 
carrying  their  wounded  from  the  field  at  the  commencement  of 
the  action  as  ourselves,  and  there  can  be  no  doubt,  from  the  infor 
mation  that  I  have  received  irom  unquestionable  sources,  that 


they  carried  from  the  field  as  many  of  their  wounded  as  are  re 
ported  above  in  the  total. 

A.  ORNE,  Asst.  Ins.  Gen. 
Major  general  Brown. 

Report  of  the  killed  and  wounded  of  the  left  division,  commanded 
by  major  general  Brown,  in  the  action  of  the  5th  July,  1814, 
on  the  plains  of  Chippewa,  Upper  Canada. 

H.  Q.  CAMP  CHIPPEWA,  July  7th,  1814. 

ARTILLERY — Killed,  4  privates ;  wounded  severely,  3  corpo 
rals,  5  privates ;  8  privates  slightly. 

GENERAL  SCOTT'S  BRIGADE,  9TH  INFANTRY — Killed,  2  musici 
ans,  1 1  privates ;  wounded  severely,  1  captain,  2  subalterns,  £ 
corporals,  19  privates;  slightly,  2  sergeants,  18  privates. 

22D  INFANTRY  ATTACHED — Killed,  8  privates;  wounded  severe 
ly,  I  captain,  8  privates  ;  slightly,  2  sergeants,  33  privates. 

HTH  INFANTRY — Killed,  1  sergeant,  4  corporals,  10  privates; 
wounded  severely,  1  colonel,  1  subaltern,  3  sergeants,  5  corporals, 
28 privates;  slightly,  3  sergeants,  19  privates. 

23D  INFANTRY — Killed,  1  sergeant,  4  privates ;  wounded  se 
verely,  1  captain,  2  subalterns,  5  sergeants,  2  corporals,  37  pri 
vates ;  slightly,  2  sergeants,  2  corporals,  1  musician,  19  privates, 

GENERAL  RIPLEY'S  BRIGADE,  21sT  REGIMENT,  NONE;  19TH 
INFANTRY  ATTACHED — Killed,  3  privates;  severely  wounded,  £ 
privates ;  missing,  2. 

23o  INFANTRY — Severely  wounded,  1  private. 

GENERAL  P.  B.  PORTER'S  COMMAND^  FENTON'S  REGIMENT  OF 
PENNSYLVANIA  MILITIA — Killed,  3  privates;  severely  wounded,  1 
private;  slightly,  1  private ;  missing,  3  officers,  4  non-commission 
ed  officers  and  privates. 

CORPS  OF  INDIANS — Killed,  9  privates;  severely  wounded,  4 5 
slightly,  4  ;  missing,  10. 

GRAND  TOTAL — 2  sergeants,  4  corporals,  2  musicians,  52  pri 
vates,  killed.  1  colonel,  3  captains,  5  subalterns,  8  sergeants,  12 
corporals,  105  privates,  severely  wounded.  9  sergeants,  2  cor 
porals,  1  musician,  103  privates,  slightly  wounded.  3  officers, 
16  non-commissioned  officers  and  privates,  missing. 

Total,  non-commissioned  officers,  musicians,  and  privates, 
616, 

Aggregate,  328. 

Names  and  rank  of  Officers  wounded. 

Colonel  Campbell,  1 1th  infantry,  severely ;  knee-pan" fractured. 
Captain  King,  22d  infantry,  dangerously ;" shot  wound  in  the  ab 
domen.  Captain  Read,  25th  infantry,  badly  ;  flesh  wound  in  the 
thigh.  Captain  Harrison,  42d,  doing  duty  in  the  9th  infantry,  se 
verely;  shot  wound  in  the  shoulder.  Lieutenant  Barron,  llth 
infantry,  severely.  Lieutenant  De  Witt,  25th  infantry,  severely- 


•373 

Lieutenant  Patchim,  25th  infantry,  badly  ;  flesh  wound  in  the  thigh. 
Lieutenant  Brimhall,  9th  infantry,  slightly. 
NOTE. — The  slightly  wounded  are  fast  recovering. 

C.  K.  GARDNER,  Adjt.  Gen. 

INSPECTOR  GENERAL'S  OFFICE,    H.  Q.  LEFT  DIVISION, 

Camp  near  Fort  Erie,  July  3d,  1814. 

"Return  of  the  British  prisoners  of  War,  who  surrendered  by  capi 
tulation  with  Fort  Erie,  on  the  afternoon  of  the  Sd  July,  1814, 
to  the  left  division  of  the  United  States9  army,  under  the  com 
mand  of  major  general  Brown. 

8th  or  King's  Regiment — 1  major. 

Royal  Artillery — 1  lieutenant,  1  corporal,  1  bombardier,  and 
19  gunners. 

100th  Regiment — 1  captain,  2  lieutenants,  1  ensign,  4  sergeants, 
5  corporals,  3  musicians,  93  privates. 

Recapitulation. 

8th  Regiment — 1  major. 

Royal  Artillery — 1  subaltern,  4  sergeants,  5  corporals,  S  musi 
cians,  98  privates. 

Aggregate,  137. 

A.  ORNE,  Jlsst.  Ins.  Gen, 
Major  general  Brown. 


LOSS  OF  THE  ALLIGATOR. 

ST.  HELENA  ISLAND,  July  2d,  1814. 

SIR, 

The  painful  task  of  informing  you  of  the  particulars  of  the 
loss  of  the  United  States'  schooner  Alligator,  I  am  now  able  to 
undertake.  On  the  1st  July,  at  3  P.  M.  while  at  anchor  in  the 
Port  Royal  Sound,  with  lower  yards  down,  and  top-gallant-mastfi 
housed,  a  heavy  dark  cloud  rose  in  the  west,  and  coming  rapidly 
by  us,  the  squall,  when  within  about  half  a  mile,  had  the  ap 
pearance  of  a  water  spout  or  whirlwind ;  supposing  from  its  ap^ 
pearance  it  would  upset  or  destroy  us,  I  thought  the  only  way  to 
save  the  vessel  would  be  to  run  her  on  shore,  as  it  was  first  quar* 
ter  flood ;  the  cable  was  cut  and  the  head  of  the  jib  hoisted  ;  when 
before  the  wind,  she  was  struck  by  a  most  tremendous  blast,  but 
no  injury  was  done ;  it  then  cleared  up.  The  small  bower  anchor 
was  then  let  go,  and  the  vessel  brought  up.  In  ten  minutes  she  wag 
struck  by  another  still  more  violent  gust,  and  instantly  upset ;  the 
cable  was  again  cut,  in  hopes  that  she  would  drive  on  shore,  but 
all  to  no  purpose;  she  sunk:  in  four  fathoms  water,  some  of  the 
men  attempted  to  gain  the  shore  by  swimming,  but  dreadful  to 
relate  only  four  succeeded  ;  twenty  -three,  were  throwned.  Among 


374 

the  number  I  have  to  lament  the  loss  of  two  promising  young  offi 
cers,  midshipmen  Brailsford  and  Rogerson.  Nineteen  have  been 
found  and  interred  in  this  island.  Messrs.  Brailsford  and  Roger- 
son  were  interred  in  the  church-yard  by  the  gentlemen  of  St. 
Helena.  Annexed  is  a  list  of  the  names  of  those  who  have  been 
found,  and  those  who  are  still  missing. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

R.  BASSET. 

Captain  J.  S.  Dent. 

Twelve  including  myself  were  saved  on  the  head  of  the  top 
mast. 

R.  B. 

DROWNED — Joseph  Brailsford,  midshipman  ;  Robert  Rogerson, 
do.;  Thomas  T.Johnston,  carpenter's  mate ;  Presley  B.  Hatha 
way,  gunner's  mate ;  Oliver  Salvador,  quarter-  master ;  Nicholas  T. 
Rennie,  purser's  steward ;  William  Ishum,  seaman  ;  William 
Steel,  do. ;  Joseph  Crosby,  do. ;  Joseph  Moulder,  do. ;  Thomas 
Harvey,  do. ;  John  Nelson,  do. ;  John  P.  Rea,  ordinary  seaman ; 
Philip  Eraser,  cook;  John  Mirtinburgh,  boy;  Jeffery  Graves,  or 
dinary  seaman ;  Jerry  Stout,  do.  j  Samuel  Johnston,  do. ;  William 
Scarlet,  do. 

NOT  FOUND — Michael  Rush,  ordinary  seaman  ;  Polydor  Thomp 
son,  boy;  Csesar  Howard,  seaman  ;  Daniel  Thompson,  do. 

SAVED — Russel  Basset,  lieutenant  commandant;  John  M.  Bald, 
master's  mate;  Elias  J.  Salters,  volunteer;  James  Gelespie,  boat 
swain's  mate  ;  John  White,  seaman  ;  Joseph  Lewis,  do. ;  Henry 
M'Gruder,  boatswain  ;  John  Roberts,  seaman ;  Samuel  Guttry, 
do. ;  John  Davis,  do. ;  Hyman  Perry,  quarter  gunner ;  William 
Ray,  master  at  arms;  John  Rodden,  boy;  John  Cook,  ordinary 
seaman  j  Charles  Mercer,  seaman;  George  8elby,  ordinary  sea 
man. 


GENERAL  ORDERS. 

ADJUTANT  GENERAL'S  OFFICE,  LEFT  DIVISION, 

Chippewa  Plains,  July  6th,  1814. 

neral  Brown  has  the  gratification  to  say,  that  the  sol 
diers  of  the  2d  division,  west  of  the  Niagara,  merit  greater  ap 
plause  than  he  is  able  to  bestow  in  general  orders  ;  they  merit  the 
highest  approbation  of  their  country.  The  conduct  of  brigadier 
general  Scott's  brigade,  which  had  the  opportunity  to  engage  the 
whole  force  of  the  enemy,  the  greater  part,  it  is  believed,  of  all 
in  the  peninsula,  removes  on  the  day  of  this  battle  the  reflection 
on  our  country,  that  its  reputation  in  arms  is  yet  to  be  establish 
ed.  His  brigade  consists  of  battalions  of  the  9th,  the  llth,  the 
25th,  and  a  detachment  of  the  22d.  Towson's  company  of  artil- 


375 

iery,  which  was  attached  to  it,  gallantly  commenced,  and  with  it 
sustained  the  action. 

The  volunteers  and  Indians  performed  their  part;  they  drove 
the  enemy's  Indians  and  light  troops  until  they  met  the  British 
army:  they  meet  the  general's  approbation. 

Of  the  reports  of  killed  and  w  lunded,  the  names  of  the  wound 
ed  officers  will  be  mentioned,  in  order  that  they  maybe  rewarded 
with  that  honourable  mention  which  is  due. 

By  order  of  major  general  Broun. 

C.  K.  GARDNER,  Jldjt.  Gen. 


UNITED  STATES'  SHIP  SUPERIOR,  SACKETT'S  HARBOR, 

July  7th,  1814. 
SIR, 

I  am  happy  that  I  have  it  in  my  power  to  detail  to  you 
another  brilliant  achievement  of  lieutenant  Gregory  with  his  brave 
companions. 

I  received  information  some  time  since  that  the  enemy  was 
building  a  large  schooner  at  "  Presque  Isle."  I  determined  upon 
her  destruction,  but  deferred  the  execution  until  she  should  be 
nearly  ready  for  launching.  Finding  the  alarm  extensive  down 
the  St.  Lawrence  in  consequence  of  taking  the  gun-boat  Black 
Snake,  I  thought  it  a  favourable  opportunity  to  attempt  something 
at  "  Presque  Isle."  On  the  26th  ultimo,  I  directed  lieutenant 
Gregory  to  take  with  him  Messrs.  Vaughan  and  Dixon,  proceed 
with  the  two  largest  gigs  to  Nicholas  Island,  (within  about  seven 
miles  of  "  Presque  Isle"  harbor)  and  there  conceal  his  boats  and 
wait  for  some  transports  which  1  had  information  were  expected 
there  to  take  up  provision  and  munitions  of  war,  which  had  been 
sent  up  the  Bay  of  Quinta  for  the  troops  at  York  and  Fort  George, 
but  if  these  transports  did  not  make  their  appearance  in  three  or 
four  days,  then  to  proceed  to  "Presque  Isle,"  and  burn  the  vessel 
on  the  stocks  ;  but  with  positive  orders  not  to  injure  any  private 
property.  The  day  after  lieutenant  Gregory  arrived  on  the  coast, 
he  discovered  a  vessel  beating  up,  but  just  as  lie  shoved  off  to 
board  her,  a  large  gun-boat  hove  in  sight  a  little  below  him.  This 
boat  made  a  signal  to  the  vessel  in  the  offing,  upon  which  she  tack 
ed  and  stood  for  the  gun -boat.  Lieutenant  Gregory  secreted  his 
boats  as  well  as  he  could,  but  was  apprehensive  that  he  had  been 
discovered.  The  gun-boat  and  her  convoy  (which  was  full  of 
troops)  stood  into  "Presque  Isle."  Lieutenant  Gregory  was  de 
termined  to  ascertain  whether  he  had  been  discovered  ;  according 
ly  he  sent  one  of  his  boats  in  the  next  night  and  took  off  one  of 
the  inhabitants,  who  informed  him  that  it  was  known  he  was  on 
the  coast,  and  that  two  expresses  had  been  sent  to  Kingston  in 
consequence.  He  therefore  determined  upon  executing  the  latter 
part  of  his  instructions  and  made  his  arrangements  accordingly, 


376 

ianded,  placed  sentinels  at  the  houses  to  prerent  alarm,  and  set 
fire  to  the  vessel,  which  was  nearly  ready  to  launch;  she  was  a 
stout  well  built  vessel  to  mount  14  guns,  and  would  probably  h;-ve 
been  launched  in  about  ten  days.  A  small  store-house,  which 
contained  stores  for  the  vessel,  was  unavoidably  burnt,  as  it  was 
go  near  the  vessel  that  it  took  fire  from  her. 

Lieutenant  Gregory  learned  from  the  inhabitants  that  much 
property  hud  been  sent  up  a  few  days  previous,  that  a  company  of 
the  Glengary  regiment  had  been  stationed  there,  but  had  been 
sent  to  York  a  few  days  before ;  another  company  was  on  its  way 
from  Kingston  to  replace  them.  The  few  militia  which  had  been 
left  to  guard  the  vessel  and  property,  retreated  upon  the  approach 
of  our  boats.  As  soon  as  the  vessel  was  entirely  consumed,  lieu 
tenant  Gregory  re-embarked  his  men  without  having  permitted 
one  of  them  to  enter  a  house ;  finding  the  alarm  so  general,  he 
thought  prudent  to  cross  the  lake  immediately ;  he  stopped  one. 
clay  at  Oswego  for  refreshment,  and  arrived  here  last  evening, 
having  performed  a  most  difficult  service  with  his  usual  gallantry 
and  good  conduct. 

Lieutenant  Gregory  speaks  in  the  highest  terms  of  sailing-mas 
ter  Vaughan,  and  Mr.  Dixon,  as  well  as  the  men  under  his  com 
mand,  for  their  patient  endurance  of  hunger  and  fatigue,  and  the 
zeal  with  which  they  performed  every  part  of  their  duty, 

I  think,  in  justice  to  these  brave  men,  that  they  ought  to  be  al 
lowed  something  for  the  destruction  of  this  vessel :  they  have, 
however,  every  confidence  in  the  justice  and  liberality  of  the 
government,  and  submit  their  case  most  cheerfully  to  its  decision. 
I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

ISAAC  CHAUNCEY. 
Honourable  William  Jones,  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 


REINDEER  CAPTURED  BY  THE  WASP. 

UNITED  STATES'  SHIP  WASP,  L'ORIENT,  July  8th,  1814. 
SIR, 

On  Tuesday  the  28th  instant,  being  then  in  latitude  48,  36, 
north,  and  longitude  11,  15,  west,  we  fell  in  with,  engaged,  and 
after  an  action  of  nineteen  minutes,  captured  his  Britannic  ma 
jesty's  sloop  of  war  the  Reindeer,  William  Manners,  esquire, 
commander. 

Where  all  did  their  duty  and  each  appeared  anxious  to  excel, 
it  is  very  difficult  to  discriminate.  It  is,  however,  only  render 
ing  them  their  merited  due,  when  it  is  declared  of  lieutenants 
Reily  and  Bury,  1st  and  3d  of  this  vessel,  and  whose  names  will 
be  found  among  those  of  the  conquerors  of  the  Guerriere  and  Java ; 
and  of  Mr.  Tillinghast,  2d  lieutenant,  who  was  greatly  instru 
mental  in  the  capture  of  the  Boxer;  that  their  conduct  and  COUT> 


377 

age  on  this  occasion  fulfilled  my  highest  expectations  and  gratified 
every  wish.  Sailing-master  Carr  is  also  entitled  to  great  credit 
for  the  zeal  and  ability  with  which  he  discharged  his  various  duties. 

The  cool  and  patient  conduct  of  every  officer  and  man,  while 
exposed  to  the  fire  of  the  shifting  gun  of  the  enemy,  and  without 
an  opportunity  of  returning  it,  could  only  be  equalled  by  the  ani 
mation  and  ardor  exhibited  when  actually  engaged,  or  by  the 
promptitude  and  firmness  with  which  every  attempt  of  the  enemy 
to  board  was  met  and  successfully  repelled.  Such  conduct  may 
be  seen,  but  cannot  well  be  described. 

The  Reindeer  mounted  sixteen  24  pound  carronades,  two  long 
6  or  9  pounders,  and  a  shifting  Impound  carronade,  with  a  comple 
ment  (on  board)  of  118  men.  Her  crew  were  said  to  be  the  pride 
of  Plymouth. 

Our  loss  in  men  has  been  severe,  owing  in  part  to  the  proximity 
of  the  two  vessels  and  the  extreme  smoothness  of  the  sea,  but 
chiefly  in  repelling  boarders.  That  of  the  enemy,  however,  was 
infinitely  more  so,  as  will  be  seen  by  the  list  of  killed  and  wound 
ed  on  both  sides. 

Six  round  shot  struck  our  hull,  and  many  grape  which  did  not 
penetrate  far.  The  fore -mast  received  a  24  pound  shot,  which 
passed  through  its  centre,  and  our  rigging  and  sails  were  a  good 
deal  injured. 

The  Reindeer  was  literally  cut  to  pieces  in  a  line  with  her  ports  ; 
her  upper  works,  boats  and  spare  spars,  were  one  complete  wreck. 
A  breeze  springing  up  next  afternoon,  her  fore-mast  went  by  the 
board. 

Having  received  all  the  prisoners  on  board,  which  from  the 
number  of  wounded  occupied  much  time,  together  with  their  bag 
gage,  the  Reindeer  was  on  the  evening  of  the  29th  set  on  fire,  and 
in  a  few  hours  blew  up. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

J.  BLAKELEY. 

Honourable  William  Jones,  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 

KILLED  AND  WOUNDED. — The  loss  on  board  the  Reindeer,  was 
25  killed  and  42  wounded,  total  67.  On  board  the  Wasp,  5  killed 
and  21  wounded,  principally  in  boarding;  among  the  latter,  mid 
shipmen  Langdon  and  Tuscan,  both  of  whom  expired  some  days 
after  the  action. 


SUN-SET,    PHILADELPHIA,  July  14th,  1814. 
SIR, 

In  consequence  of  information  received  from  general  Fore 
man,  at  a  late  hour  on  the  llth  instant,  that  four  of  the  enemy's 
barges  had  been  repulsed  by  a  party  of  militia  at  Elkton,  but  that 
they  were  expected  to  return  the  succeeding  night  in  greater  force, 
I  was  induced  to  order  lieutenant  Morgan  of  the  navy,  to  march 
S50  of  the  officers  and  seamen  attached  to  the  flotilla, to  his  assist- 
48 


378 

ance,  for  the  defence  of  that  place  and  the  adjacent  country* 
The  above  officers  and  sailors  \\ereembarkedin  a  few  minutes, 
and  you  will  not  think  them  inactive,  when  I  inform  you  that  in  3 
hours  and  47  minutes,  the  whole  detachment,  completely  armed, 
reached  the  court  house  at  Elkton,  carrying;  with  them  two  heavy 
pieces  of  travelling  artillery,  notwithstanding  the  roads  were  ex 
cessively  bad,  and  the  night  very  dark  and  rainy.  Disappointed 
in  meeting  the  enemy,  and  his  not  evincing  any  disposition  to  re 
turn,  lieutenant  Morgan,  with  the  detachment  of  sailors  (master's 
mate  Stockton,  and  12  seamen  left  with  a  field  piece  to  co-operate 
with  captain  Gale,  excepted,)  returned  yesterday  to  the  flotilla, by 
my  orders,  their  place  being  supplied  by  captain  Gale,  and  lieute 
nant  Hall,  with  some  marines  from  the  navy  yard,  added  to  lieu 
tenant  Kughn  and  the  detachment  of  marines  of  the  Guerriere,  all 
of  whom  reached  Elkton  early  yesterday  afternoon. 

On  lieutenant  Morgan's  leaving  the  flotilla  with  the  detachment 
of  sailors,  I  ordered  lieutenant  Gamble,  attending  the  equipment 
of  the  Guerriere,  to  proceed  to  New  Castle  with  the  seamen  and 
marines  to  supply  their  place.  On  lieutenant  Morgan's  retuiu  to 
the  flotilla,  lieutenant  Gamble  with  the  seamen  he  brought  with 
him  returned  to  Philadelphia;  and  it  is  with  much  satisfaction  I 
inform  you,  that  the  alacrity  and  zeal  with  which  all  these  changes 
were  made,  does  infinite  credit  to  the  officers,  seamen  and  ma 
rines  concerned  in  the  same. 

Captain  Gale,  with  the  detachment  of  marines,  after  proceed 
ing  as  far  as  Cecil  Furnace,  will  return  again  to  Philadelphia  (by 
the  way  of  New  Castle,)  should  there  be  no  immediate  necessity 
for  his  being  longer  absent. 

I  am  now  about  to  organize  a  corps,  consisting  of  100  seamen, 
who  can  be  transported  across  in  four  hours  at  any  time,  with  the 
assistance  that  is  promised  me  by  the  proprietors  of  the  New  Cas 
tle  line  ci'  stages. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

JOHN  ROGERS. 
The  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 


PORTSMOUTH,  July  15th,  1814. 

SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  inform  you,  that  yesterday  morning 
gun-boat  No.  88,  commanded  by  sailing-master  George  Clement, 
fell  in  with  and  captured,  oft* this  harbor,  a  Chebacco  boat,  tender 
to  the  Tenedos,  commanded  by  hjer  2d  lieutenant,  having  also  on 
board  two  midshipmen,  and  ten  seamen  and  marines. 

She  had  taken,  the  morning  previous  to  her  being  captured,  a 
small  coasting  boat,  which  was  also  re-taken  by  Mr.  Clement. 

The  prisoners  have  been  given  in  charge  of  the  marshal,   and 
left  here  this  morning  for  Salem. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

ISAAC 
Honourable  William  Jones,  Secretary  of  the  Navy,. 


S79 
HEAD  QUARTERS,  QUEENSTON,  July22d,  1814* 

DEAR  SIR, 

On  the  20th  the  army  moved  and  encamped  in  the  rear  of 
Fort  George.  General  Scott,  with  the  van,  had  some  skirmishing 
before  the  main  body  came  up;  but  as  the  enemy  kept  close  to 
their  works,  nothing  important  occurred.  No  force  was  left  in 
our  rear ;  the  Heights  were  abandoned  to  the  enemy,  and  we  did 
hope  that  the  movement  would  have  induced  him  to  re-occupy 
them,  or  close  in  nearer  to  us,  so  as  to  bring  on  an  engagement 
ouf  of  his  works.  In  this  we  were  disappointed.  The  army  re 
turned  to-day,  and  found  a  body  of  militia  and  a  few  regulars  in 
and  about  the  Heights.  General  Porter  pursued  with  his  command 
and  a  few  regulars,  and  was  so  fortunate  as  to  come  up  with  and 
capture  seven  officers  and  ten  privates.  They  will  be  sent  to 
Greenbush, 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

JACOB  BROWN. 

Honourable  John  Anmtrong,  Secretary  of  War, 


HEAD  QUARTERS,  CHIPPEWA,  July  25th,  18H. 
DEAR  SIR, 

On  the  23d  instant,  I  received  a  letter  by  express  from  ge 
neral  Gaines,  advising  me,  that  on  the  20th  the  heavy  guns  that  I 
had  ordered  from  the  harbor,  to  enable  me  to  operate  against  forts 
George  and  Niagara,  were  blockaded  in  that  port,  together  with 
the  rifle  regiment  that  I  had  ordered  up  with  them. 

I  had  ordered  these  guns  and  troops  in  boats,  provided  the  com 
modore  should  not  deem  it  prudent  or  proper  to  convey  them  in 
his  lieet,  not  doubting  but  that  he  would  have  been  upon  the  lake 
for  their  protection,  and  that  the  enemy  would  have  besn  driven 
into  port  or  captured.  As  general  Gaines  informed  r.  ^,  that  the 
commodore  was  confined  to  his  bod  with  a  fever,  and  ?c  he  did 
not  know  when  the  fleet  would  pail,  or  when  the  guns  and  forces 
that  I  had  been  expecting  would  even  leave  3ackett's  ilarbor,  I 
have  thought  it  proper  to  change  my  position,  with  a  view  to  other 
objects.  You  know  how  greatly  [  am  disappointed,  and  therefore 
I  will  not  dwell  upon  that  painful  subject.  And  you  can  best 
perceive  how  much  has  been  lost  by  the  delay  ;  and  the  command 
of  lake  Ontario  being  with  the  enemy — reliance  being  placed  on  a 
different  state  of  things. 

The  Indians  all  lett  me  some  time  since.     It  is  said  that  they 
will  return,  but  this  you  will  perceive  depends  on  circumstances. 
The  reinforcement  ordered  on  from  the  west  have  not  arrived. 
I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

JACOB  BROWN, 

Honourable  Secretary  of  War,  Washington. 


3S& 
BATTLE  OF  NIAGARA. 

BUFFALO  August,  1814 

£IR, 

Confined  as  I  was,  and  have  been,  since  the  last  engagement 
with  the  enemy,  I  fear  that  the  account  I  am  about  to  give  may  be 
less  full  and  satisfactory,  than  under  other  circumstances  it  might 
have  been  made.  I  particularly  tear,  that  the  conduct  of  the 
gallant  men  it  was  my  good  fortune  to  lead,  will  not  be  noticed  in 
a  way  due  to  their  fame,  and  the  honour  of  our  country. 

You  are  already  apprized  that  the  army  had,  on  the  2Jth  ultimo, 
taken  a  position  at  Chippewa.  About  noon  of  that  day,  colonel 
Swift,  who  was  posted  at  Lewistown,  advised  me  by  express,  that 
the  enemy  appeared  in  considerable  force  in  Queenstown,  and  on 
its  heights;  that  four  of  the  enemy's  fleet  had  arrived  during  the 
preceding  night,  and  were  then  lying  near  fort  Niagara,  and  that 
a  number  of  boats  were  in  view  moving  up  the  straight.  Within 
a  few  minutes  after  this  intelligence  had  been  received,  I  was  fur 
ther  informed  by  captain  Denraons  of  the  quarter  master's  depart 
ment,  that  the  enemy  was  landing  at  Lewistown,  and  that  our 
baggage  and  stores  at  Schlosser,  and  on  their  way  thither,  were  in 
danger  of  immediate  capture.  It  is  proper  here  to  mention,  that 
having  received  advices  as  late  as  the  20th  from  general  Gaines, 
that  our  fleet  was  then  in  port,  and  the  commodore  sick,  we  ceas 
ed  to  look  for  co-operation  from  that  quarter,  and  determined  to 
disencumber  ourselves  of  baggage,  and  march  directly  for  Bur 
lington  Heights.  To  mask  this  intention,  and  to  draw  from. 
Schlosser  a  small  supply  of  provisions,  I  fell  back  upon  Chippe 
wa. 

As  this  arrangement,  under  the  increased  force  of  the  enemy, 
left  much  at  hazard  on  our  side  of  the  Niagara,  and  as  it  appeared 
by  the  before  stated  information,  that  the  enemy  was  about  to  avail 
himself  of  it,  I  conceived  that  the  most  effectual  method  of  recall 
ing  him  from  this  object,  was  to  put  myself  in  motion  towards 
Queenstown.  General  Scott,  with  the  first  brigade.  Towson's 
artillery,  and  all  the  dragoons  and  mounted  men  were  accordingly 
put  in  march  on  the  road  leading  thither,  with  orders  to  report,  if 
the  enemy  appeared,  and  to  call  for  assistance,  if  that  was  neces 
sary.  On  the  general's  arrival  at  the  falls,  he  learned  that  the 
enemy  was  in  force  directly  in  his  front ;  a  narrow  piece  of  woods 
alone  intercepting  his  view  of  them.  Waiting  only  to  give  this  in 
formation,  he  advanced  upon  them.  By  this  time  assistant  adju 
tant  general  Jones  had  delivered  his  message,  the  action  began, 
and  before  the  remaining  part  of  the  division  had  crossed  the  Chip 
pewa,  it  had  become  close  and  general  between  the  advanced 
corps.  Though  general  Ripley  Math  the  second  brigade,  major 
Hindman  with  the  corps  of  artillery,  and  general  Porter  at  the 
head  of  his  command,  had  respectively  pressed  forward  with  ar 
dor,  it  was  not  less  than  au  hour  before  they  were  brought  to 


381 

sustain  general  Scott,  during  which  time  his  command  most  skil 
fully  .aid  gallantly  maintained  the  conflict.  Upon  my  arrival,  I 
found  that  the  general  had  passed  the  wood,  and  engaged  the  ene 
my  on  the  Queenstown  road,  and  on  the  ground  to  the  left  of  it, 
with  the  9th,  llth,  and  22d,  regiments,  and  Towson's  artillery. 
The  25th  had  been  thrown  to  the  right,  to  be  governed  by  cir 
cumstances. 

Apprehending  that  these  corps  were  much  exhausted,  and  know 
ing  that  they  had  suffered  severely,  I  determined  to  interpose  a  new 
line  with  the  advancing  troops  ;  and  thus  disengage  general  Scott, 
and  hold  his  brigade  in  reserve.  Orders  were  accordingly  given 
to  general  Ripley.  The  enemy's  artillery  at  this  moment  occupi 
ed  a  hill  which  gave  great  advantage,  and  was  the  key  of  the  whole 
position.  It  was  supported  by  a  line  of  infantry.  To  secure  vic 
tory,  it  was  necessary  to  carry  this  artillery  and  seize  the  height. 
This  duty  was  assigned  to  colonel  Miller,  while,  to  favor  its  exe 
cution,  the  1st  regiment,  under  the  command  of  colonel  Nicholas, 
was  directed  to  manouvre  and  amuse  the  infantry.  To  my  great 
mortification,  this  regimen-,,  after  a  discharge  or  two,  gave  way 
and  retreated  some  distance,  before  it  could  be  rallied,  though  it 
is  believed  the  officers  of  the  regiment  exerted  themselves  to 
shorten  this  distance.  In  the  mean  time,  colonel  Miller,  without 
regard  to  this  occurrence,  advanced  steadily  and  gallantly  to  his 
object,  and  carried  the  height  and  the  cannon.  General  Ripley 
brought  up  the  23d  regiment  (which  had  also  faltered,)  to  his  sup 
port,  and  the  enemy  disappeared  from  before  them.  The  1  st  re 
giment  was  now  brought  into  line  on  the  left  of  the  21st,  and  the 
detachments  of  the  17th  and  19th,  general  Porter  occupying  with 
his  command  the  extreme  left.  About  this  time  colonel  Miller 
carried  the  enemy's  cannon.  The  25th  regiment,  under  major 
Jessup,  was  engaged  in  a  more  obstinate  conflict  with  all  that  re 
mained  to  dispute  with  us  the  field  of  battle.  The  major,  as  has 
been  already  stated,  had  been  ordered  by  general  Scott,  at  the 
commencement  of  the  action,  to  take  ground  to  his  right.  He 
had  succeeded  in  turning  the  enemy's  flank — had  captured  (by  a 
detachment  under  captain  Ketchum,)  general  Riall  and  sundry 
other  officers,  and  showed  himself  again  to  his  own  army,  in  a 
blaze  of  fire,  which  defeated  or  destroyed  a  very  superior  force  of 
the  enemy.  He  was  ordered  to  form  on  the  right  of  the  2d  regi 
ment.  The  enemy  rallying  his  forces,  and  as  is  believed,  having 
received  reinforcements,  now  attempted  to  drive  us  from  our  po 
sition  and  regain  his  artillery.  Our  line  was  unshaken  and  the 
enemy  repulsed.  Two  other  attempts  having  the  same  object, 
had  the  same  issue.  General  Scott  was  again  engaged  in  repell 
ing  the  former  of  these,  and  the  last  I  saw  of  him  in  the  field  of 
battle,  he  was  near  the  head  of  his  column,  and  giving  to  its  march 
a  direction  that  would  place  him  on  the  enemy's  right.  It  was 
with  great  pleasure  I  saw  the  good  order  and  intrepidity  of  gene 
ral  Porter's  volunteers  from  the  moment  of  their  arrival ;  but  dur- 


38* 

ing  the  last  charge  of  the  enemy  those  qualities  were  conspicuous. 
Stimulated  by  the  examples  set  them  by  their  gallant  leader,  by 
major  Wood,  of  the  Pennsylvania  corps,  by  colonel  Dobbin  of 
New  York,  and  by  their  officers  generally,  they  precipitated  them- 
%selves  upon  the  enemy's  line,  and  made  all  the  prisoners  which 
were  taken  at  this  point  of  the  action. 

Having  been*  for  smne  time  wounded,  and  being  a  good  deal  ex 
hausted  by  the  loss  of  blood,  it  became  my  wish  to  devolve  the 
command  on  general  Scott,  and  retire  from  the  field  ;  but  on  en 
quiry,  I  had  the  misfortune  to  learn,  that  he  was  disabled  by 
wounds ;  I  therefore  kept  my  post,  and  had  the  satisfaction  to  see 
the  enemy's  last  effort  repulsed.  I  now  consigned  the  command 
to  general  Ripley. 

While  retiring  from  the  field,  I  saw  and  felt,  that  the  victory 
was  complete  on  our  part,  if  proper  measures  were  promptly 
adopted  to  secure  it.  The  exhaustion  of  the  men  was,  however, 
such  as  made  some  refreshment  necessary.  They  particularly 
required  water.  I  was  myself  extremely  sensible  of  the  want  of 
this  necessary  article.  I  therefore  believed  it  proper,  that  general 
llipley  and  the  troops  should  return  to  camp,  after  bringing  oft' 
the  dead,  the  wounded,  and  artillery;  and  in  this  I  saw  no  diffi 
culty,  as  the  enemy  had  entirely  ceased  to  act.  Within  an  hour 
after  my  arrival  in  camp,  I  was  informed  that  general  Ripley  had 
returned  without  annoyance  and  in  good  order.  I  now  sent  for 
him,  and  after  giving  him  my  reasons,  for  the  measure  I  was 
about  to  adopt,  ordered  him  to  put  the  troops  in  the  best  possible 
condition ;  to  give  to  them  the  necessary  refreshment ;  to  take 
with  him  the  pickets  and  camp  guards,  and  every  other  descrip 
tion  of  force  ;  to  put  himself  on  the  field  of  battle  as  the  day 
dawned,  and  there  to  meet  and  beat  the  enemy  it  he  again  ap 
peared.  To  this  order  he  made  no  objection,  and  I  relied  upon 
its  execution.  It  was  not  executed.  I  feel  most  sensibly  how 
inadequate  are  my  powers  in  speaking  of  the  troops,  to  do  justice 
to  their  merits,  or  to  my  own  sense  of  them.  Under  abler  direc 
tion,  they  might  have  done  more  and  better. 

From  the  preceding  details,  you  have  new  evidence  of  the  dis 
tinguished  gallantry  of  generals  Scott  and  Porter,  of  colonel 
Miller,  and  major  Jessup  of  the  1st  brigade.  The  chief,  with  his 
aid-de-camp,  Worth,  his  major  of  brigade  Smith,  and  every  com 
mander  of  battalion,  were  wounded.  The  2d  brigade  suffered 
less;  but  as  a  brigade,  their  conduct  entitled  them  to  the  applause 
of  their  country.  After  the  enemy's  strong  position  had  been  car 
ried  by  the  21st  and  the  detachments  of  the  17th  and  19th,  the 
1st  and  23d  assumed  a  new  character.  They  could  not  again  be 
shaken  or  dismayed.  Major  M'Farland  of  the  latter,  fell  nobly 
at  the  head  of  his  battalion. 

Under  command  of  general  Porter,  the  militia  volunteers  of 
Pennsylvania  and  New  York,  stood  undismayed  amidst  the  hot 
test  fire,  and  repulsed  the  veterans  opposed  to  them.  The  Cana- 


383 

than  volunteers,  commanded  by  colonel  Wilson,  are  reported  by 
general  Porter,  as  having  merited  and  received  his  approbation. 

The  corps  of  artillery  commanded  by  major  Hindman,  behaved 
with  its  usual  gallantry.  Towson's  company  attached  to  the  1st 
brigade,  was  the  first  and  the  last  engaged,  and  during  the  whole 
conflict  maintained  that  high  character  which  they  had  previously 
won  by  their  skill  and  their  valor.  Captains  Riddle  and  Ritchie 
were  both  wounded  early  in  the  action,  but  refused  to  quit  the 
field.  The  latter  declared  that  he  would  never  leave  his  piece; 
and,  true  to  his  engagement,  fell  by  its  side  covered  with  wounds. 

The  staff  of  the  army  had  its  peculiar  met  it  and  distinction. 
Colonel  Gardner,  adjutant  general,  though  ill,  was  on  horseback, 
find  did  all  in  his  power;  his  assistant,  major  Jones,  was  very  ac 
tive  and  useful.  My  gallant  aids-de-camp,  Austin  arid  Spencer, 
had  many  and  critical  duties  to  perform,  in  the  discharge  of  which 
the  latter  fell ;  I  shall  ever  think  of  this  young  man  with  pride 
and  regret;  regret,  that  his  career  has  been  so  short :  pride,  that 
it  has  been  so  noble  and  distinguished.  The  engineers,  majors 
M'llee  and  Wood,  were  greatly  distinguished  on  this  day,  and 
their  high  military  talents  exerted  with  great  effect;  they  were 
much  under  my  eye  and  near  my  person,  and  to  their  assistance, 
a  great  deal  is  fairly  to  be  ascribed.  I  most  earnestly  recommend 
them,  as  worthy  of  the  highest  trust  and  confidence.  The  staff 
of  generals  Ripley  and  Porter,  discovered  great  zeal  and  atten 
tion  to  duty.  Lieutenant  E.  B.  Randolph  of  the  20th  regiment,  is 
entitled  to  notice  ;  his  courage  was  conspicuous. 

I  inclose  a  return  of  our  loss:  those  noted  missing,  may  gene 
rally  be  numbered  with  the  dead.  The  enemy  had  but  little  op 
portunity  of  making  prisoners. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

JACOB  BROWN. 
Honourable  John  Armstrong, 

Secretary  of  War. 


FORT  ERIE,  August  5th,  1814. 

SIR, 

Having  been  stationed  with  the  1st  battalion  of  the  1st  regi 
ment  of  riflemen  at  Black  Rock,  on  the  evening  of  the  2d  instant, 
I  observed  the  British  army  moving  up  the  river  on  the  opposite 
shore,  and  suspecting  they  might  make  a  feint  on  Fort  Erie,  with 
an  intention  of  a  real  attack  on  the  Buffalo  side,  I  immediately 
moved  and  took  a  position  on  the  upper  side  of  Conjocta  Creek, 
and  that  night  threw  up  a  battery  of  some  logs,  which  I  found  on 
the  ground,  and  had  them  torn  away.  About  2  o'clock  the  next 
morning,  my  pickets  from  below  gave  me  information  of  the  land 
ing  of  9  boats  full  of  troops,  half  a  mile  below.  I  immediately 
got  my  men  (240  in  number)  to  their  quarters,  and  patiently  await 
ed  their  approach.  At  a  quarter  past  4,  they  advanced  upon  u*, 


384 

and  commenced  the  attack,  sending  a  party  before  to  repair  the 
bridge,  under  the  cover  of  their  lire.  When  they  had  got  at  good 
rifle  distance,  1  opened  a  heavy  fire  on  them,  which  laid  a  nutiiber 
of  them  on  the  ground  and  compelled  them  to  retire.  They  then 
formed  in  the  skirt  of  the  wood,  and  kept  up  the  fire  at  long  shot, 
continually  reinforcing  from  the  Canada  shore,  until  they  had  22 
boat  loads,  and  then  attempted  to  flank  us  by  sending  a  large 
body  up  the  creek  to  ford  it,  when  I  detached  lieutenants  Ryan, 
Smith  and  Armstrong,  with  about  60  men,  to  oppose  their  left 
wing,  where  they  were  again  repulsed  with  considerable  loss,  after 
which  they  appeared  disposed  to  give  up  their  object,  and  retreat 
ed -by  throwing  six  boat  loads  of  troops  on  Squaw  Island,  which 
enfiladed  the  creek,  and  prevented  me  from  harrassing  their  rear. 

Their  superior  numbers  enabled  them  to  take  their  killed  and 
wounded  off  the  field,  which  we  plainly  saw,  and  observed  they 
suffered  severely.  We  found  some  of  their  dead  thrown  into  the 
river,  and  covered  with  logs  and  stones,  and  some  on  the  field. 
We  also  collected  a  number  of  muskets  and  accoutrements,  with 
clothing  that  appeared  to  have  been  torn  to  bind  their  wounds. 
W7e  took  six  prisoners,  who  stated  the  British  force  opposed  to  us, 
to  consist  of  from  12  to  1500  men,  commanded  by  lieutenant  colo 
nel  Tucker,  of  the  41st  regiment.  They  also  state  that  their 
object  was  to  re-capture  general  Riall,  with  the  other  British  pri 
soners,  and  destroy  the  public  stores  deposited  at  Buftalo.  'I  he 
action  continued  about  two  hours  and  a  half.  I  am  happy  to  state 
they  were  completely  foiled  in  their  attempts. 

Our  loss  is  trifling  compared  with  theirs.  We  had  two  killed  and 
eight  wounded.  1  am  sorry  to  inform  you  that  captain  Hamilton, 
lieutenants  Wadsworth  and  Mvlntosh  are  among  the  latter. 
Their  gallantry  in  exposing  themselves  to  encourage  their  men,  I 
think,  entitles  them  to  the  notice  of  their  country.  My  whole 
command  behaved  in  a  manner  that  merited  my  warmest  appro 
bation  ;  and  in  justice  to  them  I  cannot  avoid  mentioning  the 
names  of  the  officers,  which  are  as  follows :  Captain  Hamilton, 
lieutenants  Wadsworth,  Ryan,  Calhoun,M'Intosh,  Arnold,  Short- 
ridge,  M'Farland,  Tipton,  Armstrong,  Smith,  Cobbs,  Davidson, 
and  Austin,  with  ensign  Page.  If,  sir,  you  believe  we  have  done 
our  duty,  we  shall  feel  highly  gratified. 

I  am,  sir,  respectfully,  &c. 

L.  MORGAN, 
Major  1st  rifle  regiment. 
Major  general  Bro\vn. 

HEAD  QUARTERS,  FORT  ERIE,  UPPER  CANADA. 

August  7th,  1814. 

SIR, 

I  arrived  at  this  post  on  the  4th  instant,  and  assumed  the 
command, — the  army  is  in  good  spirits,  aiid  more  healthy,  than  I 
cpuld  have  expected. 


385 

The  British  army  under  lieutenant  general  Brummond,  is 
strongly  posted  opposite  to  Black  Rock,  two  miles  east  of  this 
fort  ;  a  skirt  of  thick  wood  separates  us.  I  yesterday  endeavoured 
to  draw  him  out  to  see  and  try  his  strength  ;  for  this  purpose,  I 
sent  the  rifle  corps  through  the  intervening  woods,  with  orders 
to  amuse  the  enemy's  light  troops  until  his  strong  column  should 
get  in  motion,  and  then  to  retire  slowly  to  the  plain  this  side  the 
woods,  where  I  had  a  strong  line  posted  in  readiness  to  receive 
the  enemy.  Our  riflemen  met  and  drove  the  enemy's  light  troops 
into  their  lines,  where  they  remained,  although  the  riflemen  kept 
the  woods  near  two  hours,  and  until  they  were  ordered  in.  They 
returned  without  being  able  to  draw  any  part  of  the  enemy's  force 
after  them. 

Major  Morgan  reports  that  his  officers  and  men  acted  with  their 
usual  gallantry.  The  enemy  left  11  dead,  and  three  prisoners  in, 
our  hands,  and  I  am  informed  by  two  persons  just  from  the  Bri 
tish  camp,  that  their  loss  was  much  more  considerable;  among 
their  killed,  were  five  Indians.  We  lost  five  killed,  and  three  or 
four  wounded. 

General  Drummond's  force,  from  the  best  information  we  are 
able  to  collect  from  deserters  and  others,  amounts  to  upwards  of 
4000,  principally  regulars.  De  Watteville's  regiment  has  joined 
since  the  battle  of  the  25th  ultimo,  together  with  two  or  three 
companies  of  the  Glengary  corps  ;  making  a  total  joined  since  the 
25th,  of  about  1200. 


.  nth.  1814, 

The  enemy's  position  remains  unchanged;  they  have  con 
structed  two  batteries  with  two  embrasures  each,  and  have  erected 
a  wooden  breast  work  1200  to  1400  yards  in  our  rear.  In  ex 
amining  their  works  yesterday,  captain  Birdsall  of  the  4th  rifle  re 
giment  with  a  detachment  of  the  1st,  and  his  company,  amounting 
in  the  whole  to  160  men,  beat  in  two  of  their  strong  pickets  with 
a  loss  on  their  part  of  10  killed.  Captain  Birdsall  had  one  killed 
and  three  wounded.  General  Drummond  was  much  disappointed 
and  chagrined  at  the  failure  of  the  enterprize  of  the  3d  instant, 
against  Buffalo,  our  riflemen  having  opposed  and  beaten  them. 
Colonel  Tucker,  it  seems3  has  been  publicly  reprimanded  in  ge 
neral  orders. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

EDMUND  P.  GAINED. 
Hon.  Secretary  of  War. 


UNITED  STATES'  SHIP  SUPERIOR,  OFF  KINGSTON, 

August  10th,   1814. 
SIR, 

I  have  been  duly  honoured  with  your  letters  of  the  19th  and 
£4th  of  July.    I  do  assure  you,  sir,  that  I  have  never  been,  tmd€r 
49 

I 


386 

any  pledge  to  meet  general  Brown  at  the  head  of  the  Lake  ;  but 
on  the  contrary,  when  we  parted  at  Sackett's  Harbor,  I  told  him 
distinctly,  that  I  should  not  yisit  the  head  of  the  Lake,  unless  the 
enemy's  fleet  did.  I  can  ascribe  the  intimation  of  general  Brown, 
that  he  expected  the  co-operation  of  the  fleet  to  no  other  motive, 
than  a  cautious  attempt  to  provide  an  apology  for  the  public, 
against  any  contingent  disaster  to  which  his  army  might  be  ex 
posed. 

But,  sir,  if  any  one  will  take  the  trouble  to  examine  the  topo 
graphy  of  the  peninsula,  (the  scene  of  the  general's  operations,) 
he  will  discover  that  this  fleet  could  be  of  no  more  service  to  ge 
neral  Brown,  or  his  army,  than  it  could  to  an  army  in  Tennessee. 

General  Brown  has  never  been  able  to  penetrate  nearer  to  lake 
Ontario  than  Queenstown,  and  the  enemy  is  in  possession  of  all 
the  intermediate  country  ;  so  that  I  could  not  even  communicate 
with  the  army,  but  by  a  circuitous  route  of  70  or  80  miles. 

Admitting "general" Brown  could  have  invested  Fort  George,  the 
only  service  he  could  have  derived  from  the  fleet,  would  be  our 
preventing  the  supplies  of  the  enemy  from  entering  the  Niagara 
river;  for  the  water  is  so  shallow,  that  the  large  vessels  could  not 
approach  within  two  miles  of  their  works.  General  Brown  had 
therefore  two  abundantly  sufficient  reasons  for  not  expecting  the 
co-operation  of  this  fleet;  it  was  not  promised  him — and  was 
chimerical  in  itself. 

My  fixed  determination  has  always  been  to  seek  a  meeting  with 
the  enemy  the  moment  the  fleet  was  ready,  and,  to  deprive  him 
of  any  apologj  for  not  meeting  mp,  T  have  sent  four  guns  on  shore 
from  the  Superior,  to  reduce  her  armament  in  number  to  an  equa 
lity  with  the  Prince  Regent's,  yielding  the  advantage  of  their  68 
pounders.  The  Mohawk  mounted  two  guns  less  than  the  Princess 
Charlotte,  and  the  Montreal  and  Niagara  are  equal  to  the  Gene 
ral  Pike  and  Madison.  I  have  detached,  on  separate  service,  all 
the  brigs ;  and  am  blockading  his  four  ships  with  our  four  ships,  in 
hopes  that  this  may  induce  him  to  come  out. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

ISAAC  CHAUNCEY. 

Honourable  William  Jones, 

Secretary  of  the  Navy. 


UNITED  STATES'  SHIP  SUPERIOR,  OFF  KINGSTON, 

Aug-ust  10th,  1814. 
SIR, 

Great  anxiety  of  mind  and  severe  bodily  exertions  have  at 
length  broken  down  the  best  constitution,  and  subjected  me  to  a 
violent  fever  that  confined  me  for  eighteen  days.  This  misfortune 
was  no  more  to  be  foreseen  than  prevented,  but  was  particularly 
severe  at  the  moment  it  happened,  as  it  induced  a  delay  of  five 
or  six  days  in  the  sailing  of  the  fleet. 


387 

In  the  early  part  of  July,  I  expected  the  fleet  would  be  made 
ready  for  sailing  by  the  10th  or  15th  ;  but  many  of  the  mechanics 
were  taken  sick,  and  amongst  them  the  block-makers  and  black 
smiths,  so  that  the  Mohawk  could  not  be  furnished  with  blocks  and 
iron  works  for  the  gun  and  spar  decks  before  the  24th  or  25th 
ultimo,  when  she  was  reported  ready  by  captain  Jones.  As  con 
siderable  anxiety  had  been  manifested  by  the  public  to  have  the 
fleet  on  the  lake,  I  should  have  asked  captain  Jones  to  take  charge 
of  it  and  go  out,  but  I  was  then  recovering  my  health,  and  was 
confident  I  should  be  able  in  three  or  four  days  to  go  on  board 
myself.  There  was  an  additional  reason  for  submitting  to  this 
delay  in  the  difficulty  I  found  in  making  the  changes  of  comman 
ders,  neither  of  them  being  willing  to  be  separated  from  his  offi 
cers  and  men,  and  a  change  of  crews  through  the  fleet  being  inad 
missible. 

In  the  afternoon  of  the  31st  of  July,  I  was  taken  on  board,  but 
it  was  calm,  and  1  did  not  sail  before  the  next  morning.  To  sa 
tisfy  at  once  whatever  expectations  the  public  had  been  led  to 
entertain  of  the  sufficiency  of  this  squadron  to  take  and  maintain 
the  ascendancy  on  this  lake,  and  at  the  same  time  to  expose  the 
futility  of  promises,  the  fulfilment  of  which  had  been  rested  on 
our  appearance  at  the  head  of  the  lake,  I  got  under  weigh  at  4 
o'clock  in  the  morning  of  the  1st  instant,  and  steered  for  the 
mouth  of  the  Niagara.  Owing  to  light  winds,  I  did  not  arrive  oft 
there  before  the  5th.  There  we  intercepted  one  of  the  enemy's 
brigs,  running  over  from  York  to  Niagara  with  troops,  and  ran  her 
on  shore  about  six  miles  to  the  westward  of  Fort  George.  I  or 
dered  the  Sylph  in,  to  anchor  as  near  to  the  enemy  as  she  could 
with  safety,  and  to  destroy  her.  Captain  Elliot  run  in,  in  a  very 
gallant  manner,  to  within  from  300  to  500  yards  of  her,  and  was 
about  anchoring,  when  the  enemy  set  fire  to  her  and  she  soon  after 
blew  up.  This  vessel  was  a  schooner  the  last  year,  and  called 
the  Beresford — since  they  altered  her  to  a  brig,  they  changed  her 
name,  and  I  have  not  been  able  to  ascertain  it.  She  mounted  14 
guns ;  12  twenty-four  pound  carronades,  and  two  long  nine  poun 
ders. 

Finding  the  enemy  had  two  other  brigs  and  a  schooner  in  the 
Niagara  river,  I  determined  to  leave  a  torce  to  watch  them,  and 
selected  the  Jefferson,  Sylph  and  Oneida  for  that  purpose,  and 
placed  the  whole  under  the  orders  of  captain  Ridgely.  Having 
looked  into  York  without  discovering  any  vessel  of  the  enemy,  I 
left  Niagara  with  the  remainder  of  the  squadron,  on  the  evening 
of  the  7th,  and  arrived  here  on  the  9th.  We  found  one  of  the 
enemy's  ships  in  the  offing,  and  chased  her  into  Kingston. 

My  anxiety  to  return  to  this  end  of  the  lake,  was  increased  by 
the  knowledge  I  had  of  the  weakness  of  Sackett's  Harbor,  and 
the  apprehension  that  the  enemy  might  receive  large  reinforce 
ments  at  Kingston,  and,  embarking  some  of  his  troops  on  board 
his  fleet,  make  a  dash  at  the  harbor  and  burn  it  with  all  my  stores 


38S 

during  our  absence.  When  I  left  the  harbor,  there  were  but  about 
700  regular  troops  fit  for  duty.  It  is  true  a  few  militia  had  been 
called  in,  but  little  could  be  expected  of  them  should  an  attack  be 
made.  My  apprehension,  it  seems,  was  groundless,  the  enemy 
having  contented  himself  with  annoying,  in  some  trifling  degree, 
the  coasters  between  Oswego  and  the  harbor  in  his  boats. 

I  cannot  forbear  expressing  the  regret  I  feel,  that  so  much  sen 
sation  has  been  excited  in  the  public  mind,  because  this  squadron 
did  not  sail  so  soon  as  the  wise  heads  that  conduct  our  newspapers 
have  presumed  to  think  1  ought.  I  need  not  suggest  to  one  of 
your  experience,  that  a  man  of  war  may  appear  to  the  eye  of  a 
landsman,  perfectly  ready  for  sea,  when  she  is  deficient  in  many 
of  the  most  essential  points  of  her  armament,  nor  how  unworthy 
I  should  have  proved  myself  of  the  high  trust  reposed  in  me,  had 
I  ventured  to  sea  in  the  face  of  an  enemy  of  equal  force,  without 
being  ready  to  meet  him  in  one  hour  after  my  anchor  was  weighed. 

It  ought  in  justice  to  be  recollected,  that  the  building  and 
equipment  of  vessels  on  the  Atlantic,  are  unattended  by  any  of 
the  great  difficulties  which  we  have  to  encounter  on  this  lake; 
there  every  department  abounds  with  facilities.  A  commander 
makes  a  requisition,  and  articles  of  every  description  are  furnish 
ed  in  12  hours ;  but  this  fleet  has  been  built  and  fitted  in  the 
wilderness,  where  there  are  no  agents  and  chandlers'  shops  and 
founderies,  &c.  &c.  to  supply  our  wants,  but  every  thing  is  to  be 
created ;  and  yet  I  shall  not  decline  a  comparison  of  what  has 
been  done  here,  with  any  thing  done  on  the  Atlantic,  in  the  build 
ing  or  equipment  of  vessels.  The  Guerrierc,  for  instance,  has 
been  building  and  fitting  upwards  of  twelve  months  in  the  city  of 
Philadelphia,  and  is  not  yet  ready.  The  President  frigate  went 
into  the  navy  yard  at  New  York,  for  some  partial  repairs,  a  few 
days  after  the  keel  of  the  Superior  was  laid ;  since  then,  two 
frigates  of  a  large  class  and  two  sloops  of  war  of  the  largest  class, 
have  been  built  and  fitted  here,  and  have  sailed  before  the  Presi 
dent  is  ready  for  sea,  although  every  article  of  their  armament 
and  rigging  has  been  transported  from  New  York  in  despite  of 
obstacles  almost  insurmountable.  I  will  go  further,  sir,  for  it  is 
due  to  the  unremitted  and  unsurpassed  exertions  of  those  who 
have  served  the  public  under  my  command,  and  will  challenge 
the  world  to  produce  a  parallel  instance,  in  which  the  same  num 
ber  of  vessels  of  such  dimensions  have  been  built  and  fitted  in 
the  same  time  by  the  same  number  of  workmen. 

I  confess  that  I  am  mortified  in  not  having  succeeded  in  satis 
fying  the  expectations  of  the  public,  but  it  would  be  infinitely 
more  painful,  could  I  find  any  want  of  zeal  or  exertion  in  my 
endeavours  to  serve  them,  to  which  I  could  in  any  degree  impute 
their  disappointment* 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

ISAAC  CHAUNCEY. 
IHTon.  Wm.  Jongs. 


HEAD  QUARTERS,  FORT  ERIE,  August  13th,  1814. 

SIR, 

It  has  become  my  painful  duty  to  announce  to  you  the  loss 
of  that  brave  and  excellent  officer  major  Morgan,  of  the  1st  rifle 
regiment.  He  fell  at  the  head  of  his  corps,  in  an  affair  with  the 
enemy,  on  the  12th  instant,  after  a  display  of  gallantry  worthy  of 
the  corps,  and  meriting  the  gratitude  of  his  country. 

I  had  desired  him  to  send  a  detachment  of  from  80  to  100  men 
to  cut  off  a  working  party,  supported  by  a  guard  of  the  enemy's 
light  troops,  engaged  in  opening  an  avenue  for  a  battery  in  our 
rear,  having  directed  to  have  his  corps  ready  to  support,  in  case 
the  enemy  should  be  reinforced.  The  detachment  was  command 
ed  by  captain  Birdsall,  who  attacked  and  drove  the  enemy ;  but 
when  about  to  return  to  camp,  he  discovered  a  large  force  ap 
proaching.  The  firing  having  continued  longer  than  the  major 
expected,  he  moved  up  the  moment  the  enemy's  reinforcements 
made  their  appearance.  A  warm  conflict  ensued,  in  which  they 
were  forced 'back,  but  discovering  additional  reinforcements,  and 
receiving  my  order  to  fall  back,  on  the  appearance  of  a  large  force, 
the  major  gave  the  signal  with  his  bugle  to  retire  ;  at  this  moment 
he  received  a  ball  in  his  head.  He  was  brought  from  the  field, 
together  with  his  men  who  were  killed  and  wounded.  Of  the 
former  were  two  riflemen  and  a  New  York  volunteer,  who,  unso 
licited,  accompanied  the  riflemen  with  a  small  party  of  his  corps, 
under  the  command  of  lieutenant  Goodfellow,  who,  I  am  informed, 
has  distinguished  himself  on  similar  occasions,  and  for  whom, 
permit  me  to  request  a  commission  in  one  of  the  rifle  regiments. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

EDMUND  P.  GAINESv 

Honourable  Secretary  of  War. 


DEFEAT  OF  THE  BRITISH  AT  FORT  ERIE. 

HEAD  QUARTERS,  FORT  ERIK,  U.  C. 

August  15th,  1814. 

SIR, 

My  heart  is  gladdened  with  gratitude  to  Heaven  and  joy  to 
my  country,  to  have  it  in  my  power  to  inform  you  that  the  gallant 
army  under  my  command  has  this  morning  beaten  the  enemy  com 
manded  by  lieutenant  general  Drummond,  after  a  severe  conflict 
of  near  three  hours,  commencing  at  2  o'clock  this  morning.  They 
attacked  us  on  each  flank,  got  possession  of  the  salient  bastion  of 
the  old  fort  Erie,  which  was  regained  at  point  of  the  bayonet,  with 
a  dreadful  slaughter.  The  enemy's  loss  in  killed  and  prisoners, 
is  about  600 ;  near  300  killed.  Our  loss  is  considerable,  but  I 
think  not  one-tenth  j»s  great  as  that  of  the  enemy.  I  will  not 


390 

detain  the  express  to  give  you  the  particulars.     I  am  preparing 
roy  force  to  follow  up  the  blow. 

With  great  respect,  &c. 

EDMUND  P.  GAINES, 

JBrio-.  Gen.  Commanding* 

Honourable  Secretary  of  War. 


GENERAL  RIPLEY'S  REPORT. 

FORT  ERIE,  August  17th,  1814. 
SIR, 

I  take  the  liberty  of  reporting  you  the  cause  of  operations  on 
the  left  flank  of  the  camp,  during  the  action  of  the  15th  instant. 

From  indications  satisfactory  to  me,  I  was  persuaded  very  early 
of  the  enemy's  design  of  attacking  us  in  our  position.  Before 
any  alarm,  I  caused  my  brigade  to  occupy  their  alarm  posts.  On 
Ihe  first  fire  of  the  picket,  captain  Towson  opened  his  artillery 
upon  them  from  fort  Williams,  in  a  style  which  does  him  infinite 
credit.  It  was  continued  with  very  great  effect  upon  the  enemy 
during  the  whole  action. 

The  enemy  advanced  with  fixed  bayonets,  and  attempted  to 
enter  our  works  between  the  fort  and  water.  They  brought  ladders 
for  the  purpose  of  scaling,  and  in  order  to  prevent  their  troops 
from  resorting  to  any  other  course  excepting  the  bayonet,  had 
caused  all  the  flints  to  be  taken  from  their  muskets.  The  column 
that  approached  in  this  direction  consisted  of  colonel  Fischer's 
command,  and  amounting  in  number  to  at  least  1500  men;  and, 
according  to  the  representations  of  prisoners,  they  were  2,000 
strong.  The  companies  posted  at  the  point  of  the  works,  which 
they  attempted  to  escalade,  were  captain  Ross's,  captain  Mars- 
ton's,  lieutenant  Bowman's,  and  lieutenant  Larned's,  of  the  21st 
regiment,  not  exceeding  250  men,  under  command  of  major  Wood, 
of  the  engineer  corps.  On  the  enemy's  approach  they  opened 
their  musketry  upon  them  in  a  manner  the  most  powerful.  Fort 
Williams  and  this  little  band,  emitted  one  broad  uninterrupted 
sheet  of  light.  The  enemy  were  repulsed.  They  rallied,  came 
on  a  second  time  to  the  charge,  and  a  party  waded  round  our  line 
by  the  lake,  and  came  in  on  the  flank  ;  but  a  reserve  of  two  com 
panies,  posted  in  the  commencement  of  the  action  to  support  this 
point,  marched  up  and  fired  upon  the  party,  who  were  all  killed  or 
taken.  Five  times  in  this  manner  did  the  enemy  advance  to  the 
charge ;  five  times  were  their  columns  beaten  back  in  the  utmost 
confusion  by  a  force  one-sixth  of  their  numbers  ;  till  at  length 
finding  the  contest  unavailing,  they  retired.  At  this  point  we 
made  147  prisoners. 

During  the  contest  in  this  quarter,  the  lines  of  the  whole  of  the 
left  wing  were  perfectly  lined,  in  addition  to  the  reserves ;  and  I 
Ibund  myself  able  to  detach  three,  companies  of  the  23d  regiment 


391 

from  the  left,  to  reinforce  the  troops  at  Fort  Erie,  viz  :  captain 
Wattles',  lieutenant  Cantine's,  and  lientenant  Brown's  compa 
nies,  and  one  of  the  19th  under  captain  Chunn.  They  were  in 
the  fort  during  the  time  of  the  explosion,  and  their  conduct  is 
highly  spoken  of  by  major  Brooke,  their  commanding  officer. 
Indeed,  from  the  high  state  to  which  that  regiment  has  been 
brought  by  major  Brooke,  I  am  convinced  that  no  troops  will  behave 
better. 

In  submitting  to  your  view  the  conduct  of  the  troops  under  my 
command  on  this  occasion,  I  find  every  thing  to  applaud,  nothing 
to  reprehend.  The  utmost  coolness  and  subordination  was  mani 
fested,  both  by  the  21st  and  23d  regiments.  To  major  Wood  I 
feel  particularly  indebted.  This  officer's  merits  are  so  well  known, 
that  approbation  can  scarcely  add  to  his  reputation.  He  has  the 
merit,  with  the  Spartan  band,  in  connexion  with  captain  Towson's 
artillery,  of  defeating  a  vaunting  foe  of  six  times  his  force.  Ma 
jor  Brooke  did  every  thing  in  his  power;  and  it  affords  me  plea 
sure  at  all  times  to  call  the  attention  of  the  general  commanding 
to  this  amiable  and  accomplished  officer. 

The  officers  commanding  companies  immediately  engaged,  have 
my  highest  commendation.  Their  conduct  was  most  judicious 
and  gallant.  I  cannot  refrain  from  adverting  to  the  manner  in 
which  captain  Towson's  artillery  was  served ;  I  have  never  seen 
it  equalled.  This  officer  has  so  often  distinguished  himself,  that 
to  say  simply  that  he  is,  in  action,  is  a  volume  of  eulogium  ;  the 
army,  only  to  be  informed  he  is  there,  by  a  spontaneous  assent, 
are  at  once  satisfied  that  he  has  performed  well  his  part.  I  have 
no  idea  that  there  is  an  artillery  officer  in  any  service  superior  to 
him  in  the  knowledge  and  performance  of  his  duty. 

The  officers  I  have  mentioned  as  commanding  companies  of  the 
21st  and  23d  regiments,  are  particularly  commended  by  their 
commanding  officers.  Captain  Marston,  a  most  valuable  officer,, 
commanded  a  first  line  of  three  companies  opposed  to  the  enemy's 
column.  Captain  Ropes  commanded  the  companies  of  reserve. 
Major  Wood  reports  in  the  highest  terms  of  the  good  conduct  of 
the  subalterns.  Lieutenant  Riddle,  of  the  15th,  attached  to  the 
21st,  and  Hall,  and  ensigns  Bean,  Jones,  Gumming,  and  Thomas, 
of  the  19th,  as  being  extremely  active,  and  performing  their  duties 
with  alacrity. 

The  manner  in  which  lieutenant  Belknap,  of  the  23d,  retired 
with  his  picket  guard  from  before  the  enemy's  column,  excites 
my  particular  commendation.  He  gave  orders  to  fire  three  times 
as  he  was  retreating  to  camp,  himself  bringing  up  the  rear.  In 
this  gallant  manner,  he  kept  the  light  advance  of  the  enemy  in 
check,  for  a  distance  of  two  or  three  hundred  yard  j.  1  have  to 
regret,  that  when  entering  our  lines  after  his  troops,  the  enemy 
pushed  so  close  upon  him  that  he  received  a  severe  wound  from  a 
/bayonet. 


382 

Lieutenant  Bushnel  and  Cissney,  of  the  19th,  while  gallantly 
engaged  with  the  enemy  at  Fort  Erie,  were  both  severely,  if  not 
mortally,  wounded.  Their  conduct  merits  the  warmest  approba 
tion. 

Permit  me  to  recommend  to  your  notice,  the  good  conduct  of 
my  staff,  lieutenant  Kirby,  of  the  corps  of  artillery,  my  aid-de 
camp,  and  lieutenant  Holding,  acting  brigade  major;  their  activity 
and  zeal  was  entirely  to  my  satisfaction. 

I  close  this  long  report,  with  stating  to  you,  in  the  highest  terms 
ef  approbation,  the  skilfulness  exhibited  by  doctor  Fuller,  surgeon 
of  the  23d,  and  doctor  Trowbridge,  surgeon  of  the  21st  infantry, 
with  their  mates  doctor  Gale,  of  the  23d,  and  doctors  Everett  and 
Allen,  of  the  21st;  theiractive,  humane,  and  judicious  treatment 
of  the  wounded,  both  of  the  enemy  and  of  our  own,  together  with 
their  steady  and  constant  attention  to  the  duties  of  their  station, 
must  have  attracted  your  personal  observation,  and  1  am  confident 
will  receive  your  approbation. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

E.  W.  RIPLEY, 
Srig.  Gen.  Comd'g  2d  Brigade. 
Brigadier  general  Galnes* 


0.  S.  SHIP  ADAMS,  HAMPDEN,  (MAINE.) 

August  22d,  1814. 

SIR, 

On  the  16th,  at  noon,  our  latitude  by  D.  R.  and  two  double 
altitudes  was  42  20,  and  the  longitude  determined  by  morning  and 
evening  observstions  of  a  chronometer,  which  had  four  times 
proven  correct  within  10  miles  during  our  preceding  and  present 
cruize,  was  66  54,  the  wind  was  fresh  from  south  south-west,  and 
the  sea  smooth.  In  the  afternoon,  two  vessels  were  discovered  in 
chase,  but  at  such  a  distance  that  we  could  not  ascertain  their 
force.  The  weather  became  very  foggy  at  night,  and  the  wind 
remaining  fresh  from  the  same  quarter,  I  determined  to  push  for 
some  port  of  Massachusetts  bay,  near  Portsmouth,  and  steered 
the  proper  course  for  that  purpose.  Deeming  it  extremely  pro 
bable  we  should  meet  some  of  the  enemy's  vessels  during  the 
night,  our  prisoners  were  confined  in  the  hold,  and  our  crew  re 
mained  at  quarters.  We  sailed  from  10  to  11  knots  an  hour,  till 
2  A.  M.  when,  as  I  expected  to  be,  we  were  in  72  fathoms  water. 
Our  estimated  distance  from  cape  Ann,  60  miles.  At  4  A.  M. 
while  in  the  act  of  preparing  for  sounding  again,  the  look-outs 
forward,  announced  breakers  ahead,  and  in  a  moment  after,  the 
ship  struck  upon  a  rock,  going  10|  knots.  Believing  it  impossible 
she  could  bear  such  a  shock,  the  prisoners  were  first  released  from 
their  confinement  below,  that  they  might  have  a  chance  to  save 
their  lives  in  common  with  ourselves  upon  the  rocky  shore,  which 
was  now  visibly  about  30  yards  distant.  On  sounding  the  pumps, 


393 

no  unusual  quantity  of  water  was  at  first  discovered,  and  all  sails 
were  laid  aback  in  hopes  of  forcing  the  ship  off.  It  was,  how- 
ever,  discovered  in  a  few  minutes,  she  was  leaking  so  fast  that  it 
was  deemed  proper  to  remain  on  the  rock  until  day-light.  We 
accordingly  furled  the  light  sails,  and  clewed  up  courses  arid  top 
sails.  Day  soon  enabled  us  to  distinguish  objects  through  the  fog, 
at  2  or  300  yards  distance,  and  to  ascertain  the  hopelessness  of 
saving  the  ship.  Her  cutwater  was  entirely  destroyed  below  the 
nine  foot  mark  ;  the  depth  of  water  under  her  fore  foot,  between 
five  and  six  feet;  forward  of  her  starboard  main  chains,  12  feet ; 
astern,  seven  fathoms,  into  which  the  ship  from  the  situation  of 
her  bows,  was  depressed  below  her  stern  ports.  The  wind  fresh 
and  a  number  of  rocks  just  to  leeward,  a  considerable  surf.  From 
the  small  portion  of  land  that  was  visible,  it  was  generally  be 
lieved  to  be  the  nubble  of  cape  Neddock,  not  far  from  Portsmouth. 
Hoisted  out  our  boats,  sent  the  small  ones  to  seek  a  place  where 
a  landing  might  be  most  safely  effected.  In  the  mean  time,  en 
gaged  in  getting  our  sick  into  the  larger  boats,  with  their  bedding, 
clothes  and  provisions,  ready  for  landing.  The  boats  soon  re 
turned,  having  fortunately  discovered  a  small  chasm  in  the  rock 
capable  of  admitting  a  boat,  and  a  ravine  connected  with  it,  in 
which  the  sick  might  be  sheltered  in  some  degree  from  the  wea 
ther.  Having  secured  the  safety  of  the  sick,  it  was  determined, 
from  motives  of  humanity,  to  send  the  prisoners  next,  with  every 
thing  belonging  to  them,  and  with  sails,  tarpaulins  and  medicines 
for  the  further  comfort  of  the  sick.  A  surgeons'  mate  was  also 
sent,  and  the  charge  of  the  whole  committed  to  the  purser,  Mr. 
Rodgers.  Knowing  it  to  be  near  low  water  when  the  ship  struck, 
I  determined  to  make  every  effort  with  the  remaining  portion  of 
our  crew,  to  get  her  off,  when  the  tide  should  rise,  though  with 
little  hope  that  she  could  be  kept  long  above  water,  as  we  had  as 
certained  the  leak  to  be  about  nine  feet  an  hour.  Our  only  kedge 
had  been  early  laid  out  on  our  weather  quarter  to  keep  her  as 
nearly  in  the  same  position  as  possible ;  and  our  only  heavy  an 
chor  was  now  let  go  from  the  waist,  to  prevent  her  swinging  into 
very  deep  water,  should  she  go  off,  and  to  keep  her  from  the  rocks 
and  reefs  to  leeward,  should  she  float.  At  10  A.  M.  it  became 
evident  that  the  tide  would  light  her  off, — furled  the  topsails  and 
light  square  sails  ;  carried  the  kedge  out  from  the  bow,  two  cables 
lengths  off  shore,  and  continued  to  send  such  articles  out  of  the 
ship  as  we  could  most  conveniently  spare,  in  case  of  floating. 
After  some  heavy  strains,  at  half  past  10,  the  surf  lifted  her  off, 
and  she  swung  to  her  anchor.  Manned  all  the  pumps  and  found 
we  could  gain  upon  her.  The  flood  tide  being  nearlv  done,  it  was 
necessary  together  under  weigh,  instantly  to  reap  tfie  advantages 
of  its  weather  current,  the  rocks  astern  and  to  leeward  not  be 
ing  half  the  ship's  length  distant.  Hove  up,  canted  her  off  shore 
with  the  kedge  and  head  sails,  and  fortunately  passed  from  10  to 
50  yards  to  windward  of  the  rocks  and  reefs  which  extended 
50 


394 

about  three  fourths  of  a  mile  from  the  land.  All  hands  were  em 
ployed  at  the  pumps  and  sails,  during  the  night,  in  the  hope  of 
being  able  to  reach  Portland  the  next  day.  At  day  light,  the 
weather  was  clear,  and  you  may  judge  our  surprise  at  discovering 
ourselves  near  the  island  of  mount  Desart.  This  discovery  ex 
cited  the  greatest  anxiety  for  the  fate  of  our  companions.  Many 
of  the  islands  in  the  vicinity,  were  uninhabited — we  were  igno 
rant  on  which  they  were,  and  they  were  probably  exposed  to  all 
the  inclemencies  of  the  weather,  while  suffering  the  pain  of  that 
dreadful  disease  the  scurvy.  I  soon  fell  in  with  two  fishing  boats, 
both  of  which  I  despatched  in  search  of  them,  and  then  used 
every  possible  diligence  to  get  into  Pencbscot  bay,  which  we  for 
tunately  effected  during  the  night ;  and  1  had  the  happiness  to 
hear  the  next  morning,  that  our  sick  companions  had  all  been 
safely  conveyed  to  Camden,  with  the  exception  of  one  who  had 
expired.  My  first  intention  was  to  have  stopt  at  Castine,  but 
was  induced  to  proceed  to  this  place,  as  one  much  better  calcu 
lated  for  a  vessel  in  our  situation.  The  extent  of  the  injury 
which  she  has  received,  cannot  yet  be  known.  Our  pumps  are 
continually  in  motion.  I  have  procured  a  light  ship,  and  shall 
take  every  thing  out  of  her,  and  then  lay  her  on  shore,  as  the 
only  means  of  ascertaining  her  damages  at  this  place.  1  cannot 
conclude  this  communication,  without  recommending,  in  the 
strongest  terms,  the  uncommon  good  conduct  of  the  officers,  sea 
men  and  marines  on  this  occasion.  Never  were  my  orders  exe 
cuted  with  more  promptitude  or  less  confusion.  Their  coolness 
during  the  time  the  ship  was  upon  and  among  the  rocks,  could 
only  be  surpassed  by  their  cheerful  endurance  of  unremitted  and 
the  most  fatiguing  labour.  Nothing  but  the  former  could  have 
rescued  her  from  her  perilous  situation,  and  but  for  the  latter, 
she  would  have  been  rescued  in  vain. 

Very  respectfully,  &c. 

C.  MORRIS. 
Hon.  Wm.  Jones. 


DEFENCE  OF  FORT  ERIE. 

HEAD  QUARTERS,  LEFT  WING,  2d  DIVISION, 

Fort  Erie,  U.  C.  August  23d,  1814. 

SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  communicate,  for  the  information  of 
the  department  of  war,  the  particulars  of  the  battle  fought  at  this 
place,  on  the  15th  instant,  between  the  left  u  ing  of  the  2d  divi 
sion  of  the  northern  army,  under  my  command,  and  the  British 
forces  in  the  peninsula  of  Upper  Canada,  commanded  bv  lieute 
nant  general  Druminond,  which  terminated  in  a  signal  victory  in 
favour  of  the  United  American  arms. 


395 

Our  position  on  the  margin  of  the  lake,  at  the  entrance  of  thi 
Niagara  river,  being  nearly  a  horizontal  plain,  twelve  or  fifteen 
feet  above  the  surface  of  the  water,  possessing  few  natural  ad 
vantages,  had  been  strengthened  in  front  by  temporary  parapet 
breast  works,  entrenchments  and  abattis,  with  two  batteries  and 
six  field  pieces.  The  small  unfinished  fort,  Erie,  with  a  24,  18, 
and  12  pounder,  forms  the  north-east,  and  the  Douglass  battery, 
with  an  18  and  6  pounder  near  the  ed<re  of  the  lake,  the  south-east 
angle  of  our  right.  The  left  is  defended  by  a  redoubt  battery, 
with  six  field  pieces  just  thrown  up  on  a  small  ridge.  Our  rear 
was  left  open  to  the  lake,  bordered  by  a  rocky  shore  of  easy  as 
cent.  The  battery  on  the  left  was  defended  by  captain  Tow- 
son  ;  fort  Erie,  by  captain  Williams,  with  major  Trimble's  com 
mand  of  the  19th  infantry;  the  batteries  on  the  front,  by  cap 
tains  Biddle  and  Fanning  ;  the  whole  of  the  artillery  commanded 
by  major  Hindman.  Parts  of  the  llth,  9th,  and  22d  infantry 
(of  the  late  veteran  brigade  of  major  general  Scott)  were  posted 
on  the  right,  under  the  command  of  lieutenant  colonel  Aspinwall. 
General  Ripley's  brigade,  consisting  of  the  21st  and  23d,  defend 
ed  the  left.  General  Porter's  brigade  of  New  York  and  Pennsyl 
vania  volunteers,  with  our  distinguished  riflemen,  occupied  the 
centre. 

I  have  [heretofore  omitted  stating  to  you,  that  during  the  13th 
and  14th,  the  enemy  had  kept  up  a  brisk  cannonade,  which  was 
sharply  returned  from  our  batteries,  without  any  considerable 
loss  on  our  part.  At  6  P.  M.  one  of  their  shells  lodged  in  a 
small  magazine  in  fort  Erie,  which  was  fortunately  almost  empty. 
It  blew  up  with  an  explosion  more  awful  in  appearance,  than  in 
jurious  in  its  effects,  as  it  did  not  disable  a  man,  or  derange  a  gun. 
It  occasioned  but  a  momentary  cessation  of  the  thunders  of  the 
artillery  on  both  sides ;  it  was  followed  by  a  loud  and  joyous 
shout  by  the  British  army,  which  was  instantly  returned  on  our 
part,  and  captain  Williams,  amidst  the  smoke  of  the  explosion, 
renewed  the  contest  by  an  animated  roar  of  his  heavy  cannon. 

From  the  supposed*loss  of  our  ammunition,  and  the  consequent 
depression  such  an  event  was  likely  to  produce  upon  the  minds  of 
our  men,  I  felt  persuaded  that  this  explosion  would  lead  the 
enemy  to  assault,  and  made  my  arrangements  accordingly.  The 
annexed  paper  No.  l,is  a  copy  of  lieutenant  general  Drummond'g 
order,  and  plan  of  attack.  [Not  published.] 

The  night  was  dark,  and  the  early  part  of  it  raining,  but  the 
faithful  sentinel  slept  not ;  one  third  of  the  troops  were  up  at 
their  posts.  At  half  past  two  o'clock,  the  right  column  of  the 
enemy  approached,  and  though  enveloped  in  darkness  black  as 
his  designs  and  principles,  was  distinctly  heard  on  our  left,  and 
promptly  marked  by  our  musketry  under  major  Wood,  and  can 
non  under  captain  Towson.  Being  mounted  at  the  moment,  I  re 
paired  to  the  point  of  attack,  where  the  sheet  of  fire  rolling  from 
Towion's  battery,  and  the.  musketry  of  the  left  wing  of  the  2lst 


396* 

infantry  under  major  Wood,  enabled  me  to  see  the  enemy's  co 
lumn  of  about  1500  men  approaching  on  that  point;  his  advance 
was  not  checked,  until  it  had  approached  within  ten  feet  of  our 
infantry.  A  line  of  loose  brush  representing  an  abattis  only  in 
tervened  ;  a  column  of  the  enemy  attempted  to  pass  round  the 
abattis  through  the  water,  where  it  was  nearly  breast  deep.  Ap 
prehending  that  this  point  would  be  carried,  I  ordered  a  detach 
ment  of  riflemen  and  infantry  to  its  support,  but  having  met  with 
the  gallant  commander,  major  Wood,  was  assured  by  him  that  he 
eould  defend  his  position  without  reinforcements.  At  this  mo 
ment  the  enemy  were  repulsed,  but  instantly  renewed  the  charge 
and  were  again  repulsed.  My  attention  was  now  called  to  the 
ri^ht,  where  our  batteries  and  lines  were  soon  lighted  by  a  most 
brilliant  fire  of  cannon  and  musketry  ;  it  announced  the  approach 
of  the  centre  and  left  columns  of  the  enemy,  under  colonels  Drum- 
mond  and  Scott;  the  latter  was  received  by  the  veteran  9th,  un 
der  the  command  of  captain  Foster,  and  captains  Broughton  and 
Harding's  companies  of  New  York  and  Pennsylvania  volunteers, 
aided  by  a  six  pounder  judiciously  posted  by  major  M'Ree,  chief 
engineer,  who  was  most  active  and  useful  at  this  point ;  they  were 
repulsed.  That  of  the  centre,  led  by  colonel  Drummond,  was  not 
long  kept  in  check  ;  it  approached  at  once  every  assailable  point 
of  the  fort,  and  with  scaling  ladders  ascended  the  parapet,  but 
was  repulsed  with  dreadful  carnage.  The  assault  was  twice  re 
peated,  and  as  often  checked,  but  the  enemy  having  moved  round 
the  ditch  covered  by  darkness,  added  to  the  heavy  cloud  of  smoke 
which  had  rolled  from  our  cannon  and  musketry,  enveloping  sur 
rounding  objects,  repeated  the  charge,  re-ascended  the  ladders; 
their  pikes,  bayonets  and  spears  fell  upon  our  gallant  artillerists. 
The  gallant  spirits  of  our  favourite  captain  Williams  and  lieute 
nants  M'Donough  and  Watmough,  with  their  brave  men,  were 
overcome.  The  two  former,  and  several  of  their  men,  received 
deadly  wounds.  Our  bastion  was  lost;  lieutenant  M'Donough, 
being  severely  wounded,  demanded  quarter;  it  was  refused  by 
colonel  Drummond.  The  lieutenant  then  seized  a  hand  spike 
and  nobly  defended  himself  until  he  was  shot  down  with  a  pistol 
by  the  monster  who  had  refused  him  quarter,  who  often  reiterated 
the  order — "give  the  damned  yankees  no  quarter."  This  officer, 
whose  bravery,  if  it  had  been  seasoned  with  virtue,  would  have 
jentitled  him  to  the  admiration  of  every  soldier.  This  hardened 
murderer  soon  met  his  fate.  He  was  shot  thro.igh  the  breast  by 

of  the regiment,  while  repeating  the  order 

"to  give  no  quarter." 

The  battle  now  raged  with  increased  fury  on  the  right,  but  on 
the  left  the  enemy  was  repulsed  and  put  to  flight.  Thence  and 
from  the  centre,  I  ordered  reinforcements.  They  were  promptly 
sent  by  brigadier  general  Ripley,  and  brigadier  general  Porter. 
Captain  Fanning,  of  the  corps  of  artillery,  kept  up  a  spirited  and 
destructive  fire  with  his  field  pieces,  on  the  enemy  attempting  to 


397 

approach  the  fort.  Major  HindmanV  gallant  efforts,  aided  by 
major  Trimble,  having  failed  to  drive  the  enemy  from  the  bastion, 
with  the  remaining  artillerists  and  infantry  in  the  fort,  captain 
Bird  sail,  of  the  4th  rifle  regiment,  with  a  detachment  of  riflemen, 
gallantry  rushed  in  through  the  gateway  to  their  assistance,  and 
with  some  infantry,  charged  the  enemy,  but  was  repulsed,  and  the 
captain  severely  wounded.  A  detachment  from  the  llth,  19th, 
and  22d  infantry,  under  captain  Foster,  of  the  llth,  were  intro 
duced  over  the  interior  bastion,  for  the  purpose  of  charging  the 
enemy.  Major  Hall,  assistant  inspector  general,  very  handsomely 
tendered  his  services  to  lead  the  charge.  The  charge  was  gallantly 
made  by  captain  Foster  and  major  Hall,  but  owing  to  the  narrow 
ness,  of  the  passage  up  to  the  bastion,  admitting  only  two  or  three 
men  abreast,  it  failed.  It  was  often  repeated,  and  as  often  checked  ; 
the  enemy's  force  in  the  bastion  was,  however,  much  cut  to  pieces 
and  diminished  by  our  artillery  and  small  arms.  At  this  moment 
every  operation  was  arrested  by  the  explosion  of  some  cartridges 
deposited  in  the  end  of  the  stone  building  adjoining  the  contested 
bastion.  The  explosion  was  tremendous — it  was  decisive ;  the 
bastion  was  restored.  At  this  moment,  captain  Biddle  was  or 
dered  to  cause  a  field  piece  to  be  posted  so  as  to  enfilade  the  ex 
terior  plain  and  salient  glacis.  The  captain,  though  not  recovered 
from  a  severe  contusion  in  the  shoulder,  received  from  one  of 
the  enemy's  shells,  promptly  took  his  position,  and  served  his 
field  piece  with  vivacity  and  effect.  Captain  Fanning's  battery 
likewise  played  upon  them  at  this  time  with  great  effect.  The 
enemy  were  in  a  few  moments  entirely  defeated,  taken  or  put.  to 
flight,  leaving  on  the  field  222  killed,  174  wounded,  and  186  pri 
soners.  A  large  portion  are  so  severely  wounded,  that  they  can 
not  survive ;  the  slightly  wounded,  it  is  presumed,  were  carried 
off. 

To  brigadier  general  Ripley,  much  credit  is  due  for  the  judi 
cious  disposition  of  the  left  wing,  previous  to  the  action,  and  tor 
the  steady  disciplined  courage  manifested  by  him  and  his  imme 
diate  command,  and  for  the  promptness  with  which  he  complied 
with  my  orders  for  reinforcement  during  the  action.  Brigadier 
general  Porter,  commanding  the  New  York  and  Pennsylvania 
volunteers,  manifested  a  degree  of  vigilance  and  judgment  in  his 
preparatory  arrangements,  as  well  as  military  skill  and  courage  in 
the  action,  which  proves  him  to  be  worthy  the  confidence  of  his  coun 
try,  and  the  brave  volunteers  who  fought  under  him.  Of  the  volun 
teers,  captains  Broughton  and  Harding  with  their  detachments  post 
ed  on  the  right,  and  attached  to  the  line  commanded  by  captain  E. 
Foster,  of  the  veteran  9th  infantry,  handsomely  contributed  to 
the  repulse  of  the  left  column  of  the  enemy  under  colonel  Scott: 

The  judicious  preparations  and  steady  conduct  ot  lieutenant 
colonel  Aspinwall,  commanding  the  first  brigade,  merit  approba 
tion. 


393 

To  major  M'Ree,  chief  engineer,  the  greatest  credit  is  due  for 
the  excellent  arrangement  and  skilful  execution  of  his  plans  for 
fortifying  and  defending  the  right,  and  for  his  correct  and  season 
able  suggestions  to  regain  the  bastion.  Major  Wood,  of  the  en 
gineers,  also  greatly  contributed  to  the  previous  measures  of  de 
fence.  He  has  accepted  the  command  ot  a  regiment  of  infantry, 
(the  21st,)  for  which  he  has  often  proved  himself  well  qualified, 
but  never  so  conspicuously  as  on  this  occasion. 

Towson's  battery  emitted  a  constant  sheet  of  fire.  Wood's 
small  arms  lighted  up  the  space,  and  repulsed  five  terrible  charges 
made  between  the  battery  arid  the  lake.  Brigadier  general  Rip- 
ley  speaks  in  high  terms  of  the  officers  and  men  engaged,  parti 
cularly  captains  Marston  and  Ropes,  lieutenants  Riddle  (of  the 
15th,  doing  duty  with  the  21st)  and  Hall ;  ensigns  Benn,  Jones, 
Camming*  and  Thomas  of  the  21st,  and  Keally  and  Green  of 
the  19th. 

Major  Hindman,  and  the  whole  of  the  artillery  under  the  com 
mand  of  that  excellent  officer,  displayed  a  degree  of  gallantry 
and  good  conduct  not  to  be  surpassed.  The  particular  situation 
of  captain  Towson,  and  the  much  lamented  captain  Williams 
and  lieutenant  M'Donough,  and  that  of  lieutenant  Watmough,  as 
already  described,  with  their  respective  commands,  rendered  them 
most  conspicuous.  The  courage  and  good  conduct  of  lieutenant 
Zantzinger  and  lieutenant  Childs,  is  spoken  of  in  high  terms  by 
major  Hindman  and  captain  Towson,  as  also  that  of  Serjeant 
major  Denhon.  Captains  Biddle  and  Fanning,  on  the  centre  and 
right  of  their  entrenchments,  threw  their  shot  to  the  right,  left 
and  front,  and  annoyed  the  Indians  and  light  troops  of  the  enemy 
approaching  from  the  woods.  Lieutenant  Fontaine  in  his  zeal  to 
meet  the  enemy,  was  unfortunately  wounded  and  made  prisoner. 
Lieutenant  Bird  was  active  and  useful,  and  in  fact  every  indivi 
dual  belonging  to  the  corps  did  their  duty. 

The  detachment  of  Scott's  gallant  brigade,  consisting  of  parts 
of  the  9th,  1 1th  and  22d  infantry,  did  its  duty  in  a  manner  worthy 
the  high  reputation  the  brigade  had  acquired  at  Chippewa,  and  at 
the  falls  of  Niagara.  The  9th,  under  the  command  of  captain 
Edmund  Foster,  was  actively  engaged  against  the  left  of  the 
enemy,  and  with  the  aid  of  lieutenant  Douglass's  corps  of  bom- 
"bardeirs,  commanding  the  water  battery,  and  of  that  of  the  volun 
teers,  under  captains  Broughton  and  Harding,  effected  their  re 
pulse.  The  good  conduct  of  lieutenants  Childs,  Cushinan  and 
Foot,  and  ensign  Blake,  deserves  commendation. 

The  officers  killed,  are  captain  Williams  and  lieutenant  M'Do- 
nough  of  the  artillery.  Wounded,  lieutenant  Watmough  of  the 
artillery;  ensign  Cissney  19th;  lieutenant  Bushnel  21st;  lieute 
nants  Brown  and  Belknap  23d ;  and  captain  Birdsall,  4th  rifle 
regiment,  all  severely. 

Lieutenant  Fontaine  of  the  artillery,  who  was  taken  prisoner, 
writes  from  the  British  camp,  that  he  fortunately  fell  into  the 


399 

bands  of  the  Indians,  who,  after  taking  his  money,  treated  him 
kindly.  It  would  seem,  then,  that  these  savages  had  not  joined 
in  the  resolution  to  give  no  quarter. 

To  Major  Jones,  assistant  adjutant  general,  and  major  Hall, 
assistant  inspector  general ;  captain  Harris  of  the  dragoons,  vo 
lunteer  aid-de-camp ;  lieutenant  Belton,  aid-de-camp,  much 
credit  is  due  for  their  constant  vigilance  and  strict  attention  to 
every  duty  previous  to  the  action,  and  the  steady  courage,  zeal 
and  "activity,  which  they  manifested  during  the  action. 

The  surgeons,  doctors  Fuller  23d,  Trowbridge  21st,  with  their 
mates ;  doctors  Gale  of  the  23d,  and  Everitt  and  Allen  of  the 
21st,  deserve  the  warmest  approbation,  for  their  indefatigable  ex 
ertions  and  humane  attention  to  the  wounded  of  our  army,  as 
well  as  to  the  prisoners  who  fell  into  their  hands. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 
E.  P.  GAINES,  Brig.  Gen.  Comdg. 
Hon.  John  Armstrong1,  Secretary  of  War. 

Report  of  the  killed,  wounded  and  prisoners,  taken  at  the  battle 
of  Erie,  V.  C.  August  15th,  1814. 

Killed,  left  on  the  field,  222 — wounded,  left  on  the  field,  174 — 
prisoners,  186.  Grand  total,  582. 

Two  hundred  supposed  to  be  killed  on  the  left  flank,  near 
Snake  Hill  (in  the  water)  and  permitted  to  float  down  the  Nia 
gara.  The  number  on  the  right  flank,  near  the  woods,  could  not 
be  ascertained. 

Given  at  the  inspector  general's  office,  Fort  Erie,  Upper  Ca 
nada. 

NATHL.  N.  HALL, 

•Assist.  Inspt. 
Brig.  Gen.  E.  P.  Gaines,  &e. 


HEAD  QUARTERS,  FORT  ERIE,  UPPER  CANADA, 

August  26th,  1814. 

SIR, 

In  my  report  of  the  battle  of  the  15th  instant,  I  inadvertent 
ly  omitted  the  names  of  captain  Chunn  of  the  19th,  lieutenants 
Bowman  and  Lamed,  of  the  21st,  and  Jewittof  the  llth  infantry, 
as  also  my  brigade  major,  lieutenant  Gleason;  each  of  whom 
bore  a  conspicuous  part  in  the  action,,  and  whom  I  beg  leave  to 
recommend  to  your  notice.  Lieutenants  Bowman  and  Larned 
commanded  companies  in  the  21st,  which  so  gallantly  beat  the 
enemy's  right  column.  Captain  Chunn  with  his  company  was 
doing  duty  with  the  same  regiment.  1  also  omitted  mentioning 
that  a  part  of  this  regiment  pursued  the  enemy's  right  upwards 
of  a  mile,  and  took  100  prisoners ;  his  left  was  also  pursned,  and 


400 

more  than  an  hundred  prisoners  were  taken  beyond  our  works, 
T;:ese  facts  prove,  that  the  affair  was  not  merely  a  defence  of  our 
position,  or  a  mere  repulse  of  the  enemy,  as  I  find  it  called  by 
some.  As  regards  myself,  1  am  satisfied  with  the  result,  and  am 
not  disposed  to  make  any  difficulty  about  the  name  by  which  the 
affair  may  be  called ;  but  it  is  due  to  the  brave  men  I  have  the 
honour  to  command,  that  I  should  say,  that  the  affair  was  to  the 
enemy  a  sore  beating  and  a  defeat,  and  it  was  to  us  a  handsome 
victory. 

Our  position  is  growing  stronger  every  day  by  the  exertions  of 
majors  M'Ree  and  Wood,  and  the  officers  and  men  generally. 
We  keep  up  a  smart  cannonade.  One  of  the  enemy's  pickets 
yesterday  approached  nearer  to  ours  than  usual.  Major  Brooks, 
officer  of  the  day,  added  1 00  men  to  our  picket,  attacked  and  drove 
them  in  with  considerable  loss;  the  major  brought  in  about  30 
muskets.  In  this  affair,  however,  we  have  to  lament  the  loss  of 
another  gallant  officer,  captain  Wattles,  of  the  23d  ;  our  loss  was 
otherwise  inconsiderable. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

E.  P.  GAINES, 
Brigadier  General  Commanding. 
Hon.  John  Armstrong-,  Secretary  of  War. 


BATTLE  OF  BLADENSBURG. 

BALTIMORE,  August  27th,  1814. 

SIR, 

When  the  enemy  arrived  at  the  mouth  of  Potomac,  of  all  the 
militia  which  I  had  been  authorized  to  assemble  there  were  but 
about  1,700  in  the  field,  from  13  to  1400  under  general  Stansbury 
near  this  place,  and  about  250  at  Bladensburg,  under  lieutenant 
colonel  Kramer ;  the  slow  progress  of  draft,  and  the  imperfect 
organization,  with  the  ineffectiveness  of  the  laws  to  compel  them 
to  turn  out,  rendered  it  impossible  to  have  procured  more. 

The  militia  of  this  state,  and  the  contiguous  parts  of  Virginia 
and  Pennsylvania,  were  called  on  en  masse,  but  the  former  militia 
law  of  Pennsylvania  had  expired  on  the  1st  of  June  or  July,  and 
the  one  adopted  in  its  place  is  not  to  take  effect  in  organizing  the 
militia  before  October.  No  aid,  therefore,  has  been  received  from 
that  state. 

After  all  the  force  that  could  be  put  at  my  disposal  in  that  short 
time,  and  making  such  dispositions  as  I  deemed  best  calculated 
to  present  the  most  respectable  force  at  whatever  point  the  enemy 
might  strike,  I  was  enabled  by  the  most  active  and  harrassing 
'•movements  of  the  troops,  to  interpose  before  the  enemy  at  Bla 
densburg,  about  5000  men,  including  350  regulars,  and  commo 
dore  Barney's  command.  Much  the  largest  portion  of  this  force 
arrived  on  the  ground  when  the  enemy  were  in  sight,  and  were 


401 

disposed  to  support  in  the  best  manner  the  position  whicli  general 
Stansbury  had  taken.  They  had  barely  reached  the  ground  be 
fore  the  action  commenced,  which  was  about  one  o'clock,  P.  M. 
of  the  24th  instant,  and  continued  about  an  hour. 

The  contest  was  not  as  obstinately  maintained  as  could  have 
been  desired,  but  was  by  parts  of  the  troops  sustained  with  great 
spirit  and  with  prodigious  effect,  and  had  the  whole  of  our  force 
been  equally  firm,  I  am  induced  to  believe  the  enemy  would  have 
been  repulsed  notwithstanding  all  the  disadvantages  under  which 
we  fought.  The  artillery  from  Baltimore,  supported  by  major 
Pinkney's  rifle  battalion  and  a  part  of  captain  Doughty's  from  the 
Navy  Yard,  were  in  advance  to  command  the  pass  of  the  bridge 
at  Bladensburg,  and  played  upon  the  enemy,  as  I  have  since  learn 
ed,  with  very  destructive  effect;  but  the  rifle  troops  were  obliged 
after  some  time  to  retire,  and  of  course  artillery.  Superior  numbers, 
however,  rushed  upon  them  and  made  their  retreat  necessary,  not 
however  without  great  loss  on  the  part  of  the  enemy.  Major 
Pinkney  received  a  severe  wound  in  his  right  arm,  after'he  had 
retired  to  the  left  flank  of  Stansbury 's  brigade.  The  right  and 
centre  of  Stansbury 's  brigade,  consisting  of  lieutenant  colonel 
Ragan's  and  Shutez's  regiments,  generally  gave  way  very  soon 
afterwards,  with  the  exception  of  about  forty  rallied  by.  colonel 
Ragan,  after  having  lost  his  horse  and  a  whole  or  apart  of  captain 
Trower's  company,  both  of  whom  general  Stansbury  represents 
to  have  made,  even  thus  deserted,  a  gallant  stand.  The  fall  which 
lieutenant  colonel  Ragan  received  from  his  horse,  together  witlt 
his  great  efforts  to  sustain  his  position,  rendered  him  unable  to 
follow  the  retreat;  we  have,  therefore,  to  lament  that  this  gallant 
and  excellent  officer  has  been  taken  prisoner.  He  has,  however, 
been  paroled,  and  I  met  him  here  recovering  from  the  bruises 
occasioned  by  his  fall.  The  loss  of  his  services  at  this  moment 
is  serious.  The  5th  Baltimore  regiment,  under  lieutenant  colonel 
Sterret,  being  the  left  of  brigadier  general  Stansbury's  brigade, 
still,  however,  stood  their  ground,  and  except  for  a  moment, 
when  part  of  them  recoiled  a  few  steps,  remained  firm  and  stood 
until  ordered  to  retreat  with  a  view  to  prevent  them  from  being 
out  flanked. 

The  reserve  under  brigadier  general  Smith,  of  the  district  of 
Columbia,  with  the  militia  of  the  city  and  Georgetown,  with  the 
regulars  and  some  detachments  of  the  Maryland  militia,  flanked 
on  their  right  by  commodore  Barney  and  his  brave  fellows,  and 
lieutenant  colonel  Beall,  still  were  to  the  right  on  the  hill  and 
maintained  the  contest  for  some  time  with  great  effect. 

It  is  not  with  me  to  report  the  conduct  of  commodore  Barney 
and  his  command,  nor  can  I  speak  from  observation,  being  too  re 
mote  ;  but  the  concurrent  testimony  of  all  who  did  observe  them, 
does  them  the  highest  justice  for  their  brave  resistance,  and  the 
destructive  effect  they  produced  on  the  enemy.  Commodore 


Barney,  after  having  lost  his  horse,  took  post  near  one  of  his  guns, 
and  there  unfortunately  received  a  severe  wound  in  the  thigh, 
and  he  also  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy. 

Captain  Miller,  of  marines,  was  wounded  in  the  arm  fighting 
bravely.  From  the  best  intelligence  there  remains  but  little  doubt 
that  the  enemy  lost  at  least  four  hundred  killed  and  wounded,  and 
of  these  a  very  unusual  portion  killed.  Our  loss  cannot,  I  think, 
be  estimated  at  more  than  from  thirty  to  forty  killed,  and  fifty  or 
sixty  wounded. 

You  will  readily  understand  that  it  is  impossible  for  me  to 
speak  minutely  of  the  merit  or  demerit  of  particular  troops  so 
little  known  to  me  from  their  recent  and  hasty  assemblage.  My 
subsequent  movements,  for  the  purpose  of  preserving  as  much  of 
my  force  as  possible,  gaining  reinforcements  and  protecting  this 
place,  you  already  know* 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

WM.  H.  WINDER, 
Brig.  Gen.  Comdg.  Wth  M,  D. 

P.  S.  We  have  to  lament  that  captain  Sterret,  of  the  5th  Bal 
timore  regiment,  has  also  been  wounded,  but  is  doing  well ;  other 
officers,  no  doubt,  deserve  notice,  but  I  am  as  yet  unable  to  par 
ticularize. 
Hon.  John  Armstrong,  Secretary  of  War. 

NAVY  YARD,  WASHINGTON,  August  27th,  1814. 

SIR, 

After  receiving  your  orders  of  the  24th,  directing  the  public 
shipping,  stores,  &c.  at  this  establishment,  to  be  destroyed,  in  case 
of  the  success  of  the  enemy  over  our  army,  no  time  was  lost  in 
making  the  necessary  arrangements  for  firing  the  whole,  and  pre 
paring  boats  for  departing  from  the  yard,  as  you  had  suggested. 
About  4  P.  M.  I  received  a  message  by  an  officer,  from  the  Secre 
tary  of  War,  with  information  that  he  could  *•  protect  me  no 
longer."  Soon  after  this,  I  was  informed  that  the  conflagration 
of  the  Eastern  Branch  bridge  had  commenced  ;  and,  in  a  few 
minutes,  the  explosion  announced  the  blowing  up  of  that  part  near 
the  "  draw,"  as  had  been  arranged  in  the  morning. 

It  had  been  promulgated,  as  much  as  in  my  power,  among  the 
Inhabitants  of  the  vicinity,  the  intended  fate  of  the  yard,  in  order 
that  they  might  take  every  possible  precaution  for  the  safety  of 
themselves,  families,  and  property.  Immediately  several  indivi 
duals  came,  in  succession,  endeavoring  to  prevail  on  me  to  deviate 
from  my  instructions,  which  they  were  invariably  informed  was 
unavailing,  unless  they  could  bring  me  your  instructions  in  writ 
ing,  countermanding  those  previously  given.  A  deputation  also  of 
the,  most  respectable  women  came  on  the  same  errand,  when  1 


403 

found  myself  painfully  necessitated  to  inform  them  that  any  far 
ther  importunities  would  cause  the  matches  to  be  instantly  ap 
plied  to  the  trains,  with  assurance,  however,  that  if  left  at  peace, 
I  would  delay  the  execution  of  the  orders  as  long  as  I  could  feel 
the  least  shadow  of  justification.  Captain  Creighton's  arrival  at 
the  yard,  with  the  men  who  had  been  with  him  at  the  bridge,  (pro 
bably  about  5  o'clock,)  would  have  justified  me  in  instant  opera 
tion  ;  hut  he  also  was  strenuous  in  the  desire  to  obviate  the  intend 
ed  destruction,  and  volunteered  to  ride  out  and  gain  me  positive 
information,  as  to  the  position  of  the  enemy,  under  the  hope  that 
our  army  might  have  rallied  and  repulsed  them.  I  was  myself, 
indeed,  desirous  of  delay,  for  the  reason  that  the  wind  was  thea 
blowingfresh  from  the  south  south  west,  which  would  most  probably 
have  caused  the  destruction  of  all  the  private  property  north  ana 
east  of  the  yard,  in  its  neighbourhood.  I  was  of  opinion,  also, 
that  the  close  of  the  evening  would  bring  with  it  a  calm,  in  which 
happily  we  were  not  disappointed.  Other  gentlemen,  well  mount 
ed,  volunteered,  as  captain  Creighton  had  done,  to  go  out  and 
bring  me  positive  intelligence  01  the  enemy's  situation,  if  posv 
sible  to  obtain  it. 

The  evening  came,  and  I  waited  with  mruch  anxiety  the  return 
of  captain  Creighton,  having  almost  continual  information  that 
the  enemy  were  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the  marine  barracks,— 
at  the  capitol  hill — and  that  their  "  advance"  was  near  George- 
town.  I  therefore  determined  to  wait  only  until  half  past  8 
o'clock,  to  commence  the  execution  of  iny  orders,  becoming  ap* 
prehensive  that  captain  Creighton  had,  from  his  long  stay,  tallea 
into  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  During  this  delay,  I  ordered  a  few 
marines,  and  other  persons  who  were  then  near  me,  to  go  off  HI 
one  of  the  small  gallies,  which  was  done,  and  the  boat  is  saved. 
Colonel  Wharton  had  been  furnished  with  a  light  boat,  with  w hick 
he  left  the  yard,  probably  between  7  and  8  o'clock.  At  twenty 
minutes  past  8  captain  Creighton  returned  ;  he  was  still  extreme 
ly  averse  to  the  destruction  of  the  property,  but  having  informed 
him  that  your  orders  tome  were  imperative,  the  proper  disposition 
of  the  boats  being  made,  the  matches  were  applied,  and  in  a  few 
moments  the  whole  was  in  a  state  of  irretrievable  conflagration. 
When  about  leaving  the  wharf  I  observed  the  fire  had  also  com 
menced  at  Greenleaf's  point,  and  in  the  way  out  of  the  branch, 
we  observed  the  Capitol  on  fire.  It  had  been  my  intention  not  to 
leave  the  vicinity  of  the  yard  with  my  boat  during  the  night ;  but 
having  captain  Greighton  and  other  gentlemen  with  me,  she  was 
too  much  encumbered  and  overladen  to  render  that  determination 
proper.  We  therefore  proceeded  to  Alexandria,  in  the  vicinity 
of  which  I  rested  till  the  morning  of  the  25th,  when,  having  also 
refreshed  the  gig's  crew,  we  left  Alexandria  at  half  past  7  o'clock, 
and  proceeded  again  up  to  the  yard,  where  Handed,  unmolested,, 
abeut  a  quarter  before  nine. 


404 

The  schooner  Lynx  had  laid  alongside  the  burning  wharf,  still  un 
hurt  ;  hoping,  therefore,  to  save  her,  we  hauled  her  to  the  quarter 
of  the  imlk  of  the  New  York,  which  had  also  escaped  the  ravages 
of  the  flames.  The  detail  issuing  store  of  the  navy  store  keeper 
bad  remained  safe  from  the  fire  during  the  night,  which  the  enemy, 
(being  in  force  in  the  yard)  about  8  o'clock  set  fire  to,  and  it  was 
speedily  consumed.  It  appeared  that  they  had  left  the  yard  about 
half  an  hour  when  we  arrived.  I  found  my  dwelling  house,  and 
that  of  lieutenant  Haraden,  untouched  by  fire  ;  but  some  of  the 
people  of  the  neighbourhood  had  commenced  plundering  them ; 
therefore,  hastily  collecting  a  few  persons  known  to  me,  I  got 
some  of  my  most  valuable  materials  moved  to  neighbours'  houses 
out  of  the  yard,  who  tendered  me  their  otters  to  receive  them,  the 
enemy's  officers  having  declared  private  property  sacred.  Could 
I  have  staid  another  hour,  1  had  probably  saved  all  my  furniture 
and  stores  ;  but  being  advised  by  some  friends,  that  I  was  not 
safe,  they  believing  that  the  admiral  was  by  that  time,  or  would 
speedily  be  informed  of  my  being  in  the' yard,  he  having  expressed 
an  anxious  desire  to  make  me  captive,  but  had  said  that  the  offi 
cers'  dwellings  in  the  yard  should  not  be  destroyed.  I  therefore 
again  embarked  in  the  gig,  taking  along  out  of  the  branch  one  of 
the  new  launches,  wrhich  lay  safe,  although  along  side  of  a  floating 
stage  enveloped  in  flames.  I  had  no  sooner  gone  than  such  a 
scene  of  devastation  and  plunder  took  place  in  the  houses  (by  the 
people  of  the  neighbourhood,)  as  is  disgraceful  to  relate  ;  not  a 
moveable  article,  from  the  cellars  to  the  garrets,  has  been  left  us, 
and  even  some  of  the  fixtures,  and  the  locks  of  the  doors,  have 
been  shamefully  pillaged.  Some  of  the  perpetrators,  however, 
have  been  made  known  to  me. 

From  the  number  and  movements  of  the  enemy,  it  would  have 
appeared  rash  temerity  to  have  attempted  returning  again  that 
day,  though  my  inclination  strongly  urged  it;  therefore, reconnoi- 
tering  their  motions,  as  well  as  could  be  effected  at  a  convenient 
distance  in  the  gig,  until  evening,  I  again  proceeded  to  Alexandria 
for  the  night.  Yesterday  morning,  the  26th,  it  was  impossible  to  form 
(from  the  various  and  contradictory  reports  at  Alexandria)  any  sort 
of  probable  conjecture,  either  of  the  proceedings  and  situation  of 
our  army,  or  that  of  the  enemy.  Determining,  therefore,  to  have  a 
positive  knowledge  of  some  part  thereof,  from  occular  demonstra 
tion,  I  again  embarked  in  the  gig,  proceeding  with  due  caution  to 
the  yard,  where  I  learned  with  chagrin  the  devastation  and  pillage 
before  mentioned,  and  found  also,  to  my  surprise,  that  the  old  gun 
boat,  which  had  been  loaded  with  provisions,  and  had  grounded, 
in  endeavouring  to  get  out  of  the  branch,  on  the  evening  of  the 
24th,  was  nearly  discharged  of  her  cargo,  by  a  number  of  our 
people,  without  connexion  with  each  other.  Having  landed  in 
the  yard,  1  soon  ascertained  that  the  enemy  had  left  the  city,  ex 
cepting  only  a  Serjeant's  guard,  for  the  security  of  the  sick  and 


405 

wounded.  Finding  it  impracticable  to  stop  the  scene  of  plunder 
<hat  had  commenced,  I  determined  instantly  on  re-possessing  the 
yard,  with  all  the  force  at  my  command.  Repairing,  therefore,  im 
mediately  to  Alexandria,  lieutenant  Haraden,  the  ordinary  men, 
and  the  few  marines  there,  were  ordered  directly  up ;  following 
myself,  I  got  full  possession  again  at  evening. 

I  am  now  collecting  the  scattered  purloined  provisions, 
ready  for  your  orders,  presuming  they  will  now  become  very 
scarce  indeed ;  the  quantity  saved,  you  shall  be  informed  when 
known  to  me.  The  Lynx  is  safe,  except  her  foremast  being  carried 
away  in  the  storm  of  the  25th,  about  4  P.  M.  We  have  also  ano 
ther  of  the  gun  boats,  with  about  100  barrels  of  powder,  and  one 
of  the  large  yard  cutters,  nearly  full,  with  the  filled  cylinders,  for 
our  different  guns  previously  mounted  ;  the  powder  of  those,  how 
ever,  is  probably  much  wetted  by  the  storm.  I  would  most  wil 
lingly  have  an  interview  with  you,  but  deem  it  improper  to  leave 
my  station  without  some  justifiable  cause,  or  in  pursuance  of 
your  instructions,  under  which  I  am  ready  to  proceed,  wherever 
my  services  may  bethought  useful. 

J  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

THOMAS  TINGEY. 
Hon.  \Y.  Jones,  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 

NOTE.  In  the  navy  yard  at  Washington,  there  is  an  elegant  Italian  mar 
ble  monument,  erected  by  the  officers  of  the  American  navy,  at  their  own 
expense,  sacred  to  the  memory  of  their  gallant  brethren  who  fell  before  Tri 
poli.  This  monument  was  mutilated  by  the  British  on  the  25th  of  August  1814. 


FARM  AT  ELK  RIDGE,  August  29th,  1814. 

SIR, 

This  is  the  first  moment  I  have  had  it  in  my  power  to  make  a 
report  of  the  proceedings  of  the  forces  under  my  command,  since 
I  had  the  honour  of  seeing  you  at  the  camp  at  the  "  Old  Fields." 
On  the  afternoon  of  that  day,  we  were  informed  that  the  enemy 
was  advancing  upon  us.  The  army  was  put  under  arms,  and  our 
positions  taken ;  my  forces  on  the  right,  flanked  by  the  two  bat 
talions  of  the  36th  and  38th,  where  we  remained  some  hours  ; 
the  enemy  did  not  make  his  appearance.  A  little  before  sun-set 
general  Winder  came  to  me,  and  recommended  that  the  heavy  ar 
tillery  should  be  withdrawn,  with  the  exception  of  one  12  pounder 
to  cover  the  retreat.  We  took  up  our  line  of  march,  and  in  the 
night  entered  Washington  by  the  Eastern  Branch  bridge.  I  march 
ed  my  men,  &c.  to  the  marine  barracks,  and  took  up  quarters  for 
the  night,  myself  sleeping  at  commodore  Tingey's,  in  the  navy 
yard.  About  2  o'clock  general  Winder  came  to  my  quarters, 
and  we  made  some  arrangements  for  the  morning.  In  the  morning 
I  received  a  note  from  general  Winder,  and  waited  upon  him;  he 


requested  me  to  take  command,  and  place  my  artillery  to  defend 
the  passage  of  the  bridge  on  the  Eastern  Branch,  as  the  enemy 
was  approaching  the  city  in  that  direction.  I  immediately  put 
my  guns  in  position,  leaving  the  marines  and  the  rest  of  my  men 
at  the  barracks,  to  wait  further  orders.  I  was  in  this  situation 
when  I  had  the  honour  to  meet  you,  with  the  President  and 
bends  of  departments,  when  it  was  determined  that  I  should  draw 
oft'  my  guns  and  men,  and  proceed  towards  Bladensburg,  which 
was  immediately  nut  into  execution.  On  our  way,  I  was  informed 
the  enemy  was  within  a  mile  of  Bladensburgh ; — we  hurried  on. 
The  day  was  hot,  and  my  men  very  much  crippled  from  the  severe 
inarches  we  had  experienced  the  days  before,  many  of  them  being 
without  shoes,  which  I  had  replaced  that  morning.  I  preceded  the 
men,  and  when  I  arrived  at  the  line  which  separates  the  district 
from  Maryland,  the  battle  began.  I  sent  an  officer  back  to  hurry 
on  my  men;  they  came  up  in  a  trot ;  we  took  our  position  on  the 
rising  ground,  put  the  pieces  in  battery,  posted  the  marines  under 
captain  Miller,  and  the  flotilla  men,  who  were  to  act  as  infantry, 
under  their  own  officers,  on  my  right,  to  support  the  pieces,  and 
waited  the  approach  of  the  enemy.  During  this  period  the  en 
gagement  continued,  and  the  enemy  advancing,  our  own  army  re 
treating  before  them,  apparently  in  much  disorder.  At  length 
the  enemy  made  his  appearance  on  the  main  road,  in  force,  and 
in  front  of  my  battery,  ard  on  seeing  us  made  a  halt.  I  reserved 
our  fire.  In  a  few  minutes  the  enemy  again  advanced,  when  I 
ordered  an  18  pounder  to  be  fired,  which  completely  cleared  the 
road ;  shortly  after,  a  second  and  a  third  attempt  mas  made  by  the 
enemy  to  come  forward,  but  all  Were  destroyed.  They  then  cross 
ed  over  into  an  open  field,  and  attempted  to  flank  our  right ;  h» 
was  there  met  by  three  12  pounders,  the  marines  under  captain 
JUiller,  and  my  men,  acting  as  infantry,  and  again  was  totally  cut 
up.  By  this  time  not  a  vestige  of  the  American  army  remained, 
except  a  body  of  five  or  six  nundred,  posted  on  a  height  on  my 
right,  from  whom  I  expected  much  support,  from  their  fine  situ 
ation. 

The  enemy  from  this  period  never  appeared  in  force  in  front 
of  us ;  they  pushed  forward  their  sharp  shooters ;  one  of  which 
shot  my  horse  under  me,  who  fell  dead  between  two  of  my  guns. 
The  enemy,  who  had  been  kept  in  check  by  our  fire  for  nearly 
half  an  hour,  now  began  to  out-flank  us  on  the  right);  our  guns 
were  turned  that  way;  he  pushed  up  the  hill,  about  two  or  three 
iiundred,  towards  the  corps  of  Americans  stationed  as  above  de 
scribed,  who,  to  my  great  mortification,  made  no  resistance,  giving 
a  fire  or  two  and  retired.  In  this  situation  we  had  the  whole  army 
of  the  enemy  to  contend  with.  Our  ammunition  was  expended  ; 
and,  unfortunately,  the  drivers  of  my  ammunition  wagons  had 
gone  oft*  in  the  general  panic/  At  this  time  I  received  a  severe 
wound  TR  my  thigh  ;  captain  Miller  wtfs  wounded ;  sailing  master 


407 

JParner  killed ;  acting  sailing  master  Martin  killed ;  and  sailing 
master  Martin  wounded  ;  but  to  the  honour  of  my  officers  and 
men,  as  fast  as  their  companions  and  messmates  fell  at  the  guns, 
they  were  instantly  replaced  from  the  infantry. 

Finding  the  enemy  now  completely  in  our  rear,  and  no  means 
of  defence,  I  gave  orders  to  my  officers  and  men  to  retire.  Three 
of  my  officers  assisted  me  to  get  off  a  short  distance,  but  the  great 
loss  of  blood  occasioned  such  a  weakness,  that  I  was  compelled 
to  lie  down.  I  requested  my  officers  to  leave  me,  which  they  ob 
stinately  refused ;  but  upon  being  ordered  they  obeyed,  one  only 
remained.  In  a  short  time  I  observed  a  British  soldier,  and  had 
him  called,  and  directed  him  to  seek  an  officer ;  in  a  few  minutes 
an  officer  came,  and  on  learning  who  I  was,  brought  general  Ross 
and  admiral  Cockburn  to  me.  Those  officers  behaved  to  me  with 
the  most  marked  attention,  respect  and  politeness,  had  a  surgeon 
brought,  and  my  wound  dressed  immediately.  After  a  few  min 
utes  conversation,  the  general  informed  me  (after  paying  me  a 
handsome  compliment)  that  I  was  paroled,  and  at  liberty  to  pro 
ceed  to  Washington  or  Bladensburg ;  as  also  Mr.  Huffington,  who 
had  remained  with  me,  offering  me  every  assistance  in  his  power, 
giving  orders  for  a  litter  to  be  brought,  in  which  I  was  carried  to 
Bladensburg  ;  captain  Wainwrteht,  first  captain  to  admiral  Coch- 
rane,  remained  with  me,  and  behaved  to  me  as  if  I  was  a  brother. 
During  the  stay  of  the  enemy  at  Bladensburg,  I  received  every 
marked  attention  possible  from  the  officers  of  the  army  and  navy. 

My  wound  is  deep,  but  I  flatter  myself  not  dangerous  ;  the  ball 
is  not  yet  extracted.  I  fondly  hope  a  few  weeks  will  restore  me 
to  health,  and  that  an  exchange  will  take  place,  that  I  may  resume 
my  command,  or  any  other  that  you  and  the  President  may  think 
proper  to  honour  me  with. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

JOSHUA  BARNEY. 
flen.  W.  Jones,  Secretary  of  the  Nary. 


PROCLAMATION 

Of  colonel  Nichols  of  the  British  army,  to  the  southern  and"  west 
ern  inhabitants  of  the  United  States. 

NATIVES  OF  LOUISIANA!  On  you  the  first  call  is  made,  to  as 
sist  in  liberating  from  a  faithless,  imbecile  government,  your  pa 
ternal  soil ;  Spaniards,  Frenchmen,  Italians  and  British,  whether 
settled,  or  residing  for  a  time  in  Louisiana,  on  you,  also,  I  call,  to 
aid  me  in  this  just  cause  :  the  American  usurpation  in  this  coun5- 
try  must  be  abolished,  and  the  lawful  owners  of  the  soil  put  in 
possession.  I  am  at  the  head  of  a  large  body  of  Indians,  well  arm 
ed,  disciplined,  and  commanded  by  British  officers—a  good  tram 


408 

of  artillery,  with  every  requisite,  seconded  by  the  powerful  aid  ol 
a  numerous  British  and  Spanish  squadron  of  ships  and  vessels  ol 
war.  Be  not  alarmed,  inhabitants  of  the  country,  at  our  approach  ; 
the  same  good  faith  and  disinterestedness,  which  has  distinguished 
the  conduct  of  Britons  in  Europe,  accompanies  them  here ;  you 
will  have  no  fear  of  litigious  taxes  imposed  on  you,  for  the  purpose 
of  carrying  on  an  unnatural  and  unjust  war;  your  propertv,  your 
laws,  the  peace  arid  tranquillity  of  your  country,  will  be  guaranteed 
to  you  by  men,  who  will  suffer  no  infringement  of  theirs ;  rest 
assured,  that  these  brave  RED  men  only  burn  with  an  ardent  de 
sire  of  satisfaction,  for  the  wrongs  they  have  suffered  from  the  Amer 
icans  :  to  join  you  in  liberating  these  southern  provinces  from  their 
yoke,  and  drive  them  into  those  limits  formerly  prescribed  by 
my  sovereign.  The  Indians  have  pledged  themselves,  in  the  most 
solemn  manner,  not  to  injure,  in  the  slightest  degree,  the  persons 
or  properties  of  any  but  enemies.  A  flag  over  any  door,  whether 
Spanish,  French  or  British,  wall  be  a  certain  protection  ;  nor  dare 
any  Indian  put  his  foot  on  the  threshhold  thereof,  under  penalty 
of  death  from  his  own  countrymen  ;  not  even  an  enemy  will  an 
Indian  put  to  death,  except  resisting  in  arms:  and  as  for  injuring 
helpless  women  and  children,  the  red  men,  by  their  good  conduct, 
and  treatment  to  them,  will  (if  it  be  possible)  make  the  Americans 
blush  for  their  more  inhuman  conduct,  lately  on  the  Escambia,  and 
within  a  neutral  territory. 

INHABITANTS  OF  KENTUCKY,  you  have  too  long  borne  with  griev 
ous  impositions ;  the  whole  brunt  of  the  wrar  has  fallen  on  your 
brave  sons  ;  be  imposed  on  no  longer,  but  either  range  yourselves 
under  the  standard  of  your  forefathers,  or  observe  a  strict  neutra 
lity.  If  you  comply  with  either  of  these  offers,  whatever  provisions 
you  send  down  will  be  paid  for  in  dollars,  and  the  safety  of  the 
persons  bringing  it,  as  well  as  the  free  navigation  of  the  Mississippi, 
guaranteed  to  you. 

MEN  OF  KENTUCKY,  let  me  call  to  your  view  (and  I  trust  to  your 
abhorrence)  the  conduct  of  those  factions,  which  hurried  youlnto 
this  civil,  unjust,  and  unnatural  war,  at  a  time  when  Great  Britain 
was  straining  every  nerve,  in  defence  of  her  own,  and  the  liberties 
of  the  world ;  when  the  bravest  of  her  sons  were  fighting  and 
bleeding  in  so  sacred  a  cause ;  when  she  was  spending  millions  of 
her  treasure,  in  endeavouring  to  pull  down  one  of  the  most  formi 
dable  and  dangerous  tyrants,  that  ever  disgraced  the  form  of  man ; 
when  groaning  Europe  was  almost  at  her  last  gasp  ;  when  Britons 
alone  showed  an  undaunted  front — basely  did  those  assassins  en 
deavour  to  stab  her  from  the  rear ;  she  has  turned  on  them,  reno 
vated  from  the  bloody  but  successful  struggle,  Europe  is  happy  and 
free,  and  now  hastens,  justly  to  avenge  the  unprovoked  insult. 
Show  them  that  you  are  not  collectively  unjust ;  leave  that  CON 
TEMPTIBLE  FEW  to  shift  for  themselves ;  let  those  slaves  of  the  tyrant 
send  an  embassy  to  Elba,  and  implore  his  aid ;  but  let  every  honest, 


409 

upright  American  spurn  them  with  united  contempt.  After  th« 
experience  of  twenty-one  years,  can  jou  longer  support  those 
brawlers  for  liberty,  who  call  it  freedom,  when  themselves  are  free? 
Be  no  longer  their  dupes  ;  accept  of  my  offers ;  every  thing  I  hav« 
promised  in  this  paper,  1  guarantee  to  you,  on  the  SACRED  HONOUR 
of  a  BRITISH  OFFICER. 

Given  under  my  hand,  at  my  head  quarters,  Pensacola,  this 
29th  day  of  August,  1814. 

EDWARD  NICHOLS, 


HEAD  QUARTERS,  CAMP  AT  THE  WHITE  HOUSE,  VA. 

September  6th,  1814, 
SIR, 

Yesterday  morning  about  2  o'clock,  the  enemy's  squadron 
discontinued  the  bombardment  which  had  been  kept  up  with  little 
intermission,  for  three  davs,  weighed  anchor,  and  stood  down  the 
river,  commencing  a  heavy  fire  on  the  battery,  and  across  the  neck 
of  land  through  which  the  militia  were  compelled  to  march  to  its 
assistance.  The  rifle  companies  under  captains  Humphries,  Tebb* 
and  Fields,  were  immediately  ordered  down  to  the  battery,  which 
orders  were  promptly  obeyed.  I  followed  with  colonel  Parker's 
regiment,  and  two  detachments  under  colonels  Green  and  Renno, 
leaving  instructions  with  general  Young  to  take  a  position  between 
us  and  a  creek,  which  made  up  some  distance  behind  so  as  to  pre 
vent  the  enemy  falling  on  our  rear,  and  to  co-operate  with  us,  if 
necessary,  at  the  battery.  When  I  had  proceeded  with  the  advance 
to  a  point  within  three  or  four  hundred  yards  of  the  river,  the 
troops  were  halted  until  I  could  obtain  accurate  information  of 
the  precise  situation  of  the  enemy;  about  this  time,  commodore 
Porter,  as  I  understood,  finding  our  little  battery  inefficient  to 
impede  the  progress  of  the  vessels,  after  having  long  gallantly 
defended  it,  and  considering  a  longer  contention  with  such  a  su 
periority  of  metal  a  wanton  sacrifice  of  blood,  ordered  the  battery 
to  be  evacuated  and  his  men  to  retire,  which  they  did.  The  two 
largest  of  the  enemy's  vessels,  then  anchored ;  one  just  above, 
and  the  other  just  below  the  battery,  and  commenced  a  most  gall 
ing  crossfire  of  round  shot,  grape,  canister,  &c.  The  troops  which 
had  been  previously  ordered  to  shelter  themselves  from  the  fire  of 
the  enemy,  it  having  become  extremely  severe,  were  immediately 
formed  and  marched  back  to  a  place  of  comparative  security.  We 
had  scarcely  retired,  when  information  was  brought  that  the  ene 
my  discovered  a  disposition  to  land,  and  aid  was  necessary  to 
prevent  their  spiking  our  cannon.  I  again  moved  down  with  the 
troops  under  our  command,  colonel  Dangerfield  with  his  regiment, 
being  sent  on  before,  and  had  proceeded  to  a  valley  within  about 
fifty  yards  of  the  battery,  when  general  Young  and  myself,  wh<* 
were  following  with  the  residue  of  the  troops,  were  met  bj  coov 
52 


410' 

modore  Porter,  within  three  or  four  hundred  yards  of  the  river. 
He  thought  that  it  was  unnecessary  to  expose  the  whole  army, 
and  advised  that  200  men,  which  he  thought  sufficient  for  the 
purpose,  should  be  sent  down  to  protect  the  battery.  All  the 
troops  were  then  ordered  back,  the  detail  made  and  sent  down 
under  the  command  of  colonel  Green  ;  major  Banks  followed  with 
200  men,  to  aid,  if  necessary. 

Permit  me  to  say,  that  it  was  impossible  for  men  to  have  con 
ducted  themselves  with  more  intrepidity,  than  the  militia  on  this 
occasion.  Notwithstanding  the  dreadful  cross  fire  of  every  spe 
cies  of  missive,  by  the  enemy,  to  which  they  were  exposed,  with 
out  a  possibility  of  returning  the  fire  (the  most  trying  of  all  situa 
tions)  not  a  man  under  my  command  offered  to  move,  until  orders 
to  that  effect  v.  as  given  ;  and  then  it  was  done  slowly  and  in  order. 
I  beg  leave  also,  to  mention  the  promptitude  and  alacrity  with 
which  the  second  order  to  march  through  a  tremendous  discharge 
of  large  shot  and  grape,  for  the  distance  of  about  a  mile,  was  im 
mediately  obeyed.  Captain  Humphries,  with  his  rifle  company, 
was  stationed  just  above  the  battery,  and  is  entitled  to  the  highest 
commendation  for  the  courage  and  activity  with  which  he  fought. 
Captain  Griffith,  of  Alexandria,  was  under  the  immediate  direc 
tion  of  commodore  Porter,  who  spoke  of  him  in  the  highest  terms 
of  approbation.  Captain  Janney,  of  Essex,  was  near  the  battery 
at  the  time  of  the  action,  with  a  fatigue  party  of  fifty  or  sixty 
men,  and  deserves  to  be  particularly  mentioned.  Our  whole 
loss  was  eleven  killed,  and  seventeen  or  eighteen  wounded 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 
JOHN  P.  HUNGERFORD, 
Brig.  Gen.  Virginia  militia. 

Hon.  James  Monroe. 

BATTLE  ON  LAKE  CHAMPLAIN. 

U.  S.  SHIP  SARATOGA,  OFF  PLATTSBURGH, 

September  llth,  1814. 

SIR, 

The  Almighty  has  been  pleased  to  grant  us  a  signal  victory 
on  lake  Champlain,  in  the  capture  of  one  frigate,  one  brig,  anil 
two  sloops  of  war  of  the  enemy. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

T.  MACDONOUGH, 
Honourable  William  Jones, 

Secretary  of  the  Navy. 

THE  AVON  SUNK  BY  THE  WASP. 

UNITED  STATES'  SLOOP  WASP,  AT  SEA, 

September  llth,  1814— latitude  40  N.  longitude  16  W. 
SIR, 

After  a  protracted  and  tedious  stay   at  L'Orient,  I  had  at 
last  the   pleasure  of  leaving  that  place  on  Saturday  the  27th  of 


411 

of  August.  On  the  30th,  captured  the  British  brig  Lettice., 
Henry  Cockburn,  master ;  and  31st  August,  the  British  brig 
Bon  Accord,  Adam  Durno,  master.  On  the  morning  of  the  1st 
September,  discovered  a  convoy  of  ten  sail  at  leeward,  in  charge 
of  the  Armada  74,  and  a  bomb  ship  ;  stood  for  them  and  succeeded 
in  cutting  out  the  British  brig  Mary,  John  D.  Allen,  master,  laden 
with  brass  cannon  taken  from  the  Spaniards,  iron  cannon  and 
military  stores  from  Gibraltar  to  England,  removed  the  prisioners 
set  her  on  fire  and  endeavoured  to  capture  another  or  the  con 
voy,  but  was  chased  oft'  by  the  Armada.  On  the  evening  of  the 
same  day  at  £  past  6,  while  going  free,  discovered  four  vessels 
nearly  at  the  same  time,  two  on  the  starboard,  and  two  on  the 
larboard  bow,  being  the  farthest  to  windward.  At  7  the  chase 
(a  brig)  commenced  making  signals  with  flags,  which  could  not 
be  distinguished  for  want  of  light,  arid  soon  afte  remade  various 
ones  with  lantherns,  rockets  and  guns.  At  26  minutes  alter  9, 
having  the  chase  under  our  lee  bow,  the  12  pound  carronade  was 
directed  to  be  fired  into  him,  which  he  returned ;  ran  under  his 
lee  to  prevent  his  escaping,  and  at  20  minutes  after  9  commenced 
the  action.  At  10  o'clock  believing  the  enemy  to  be  silenced, 
orders  were  given  to  cease  firing,  when  I  hailed  and  asked  if  he 
had  surrendered.  No  answer  being  given  to  this,  and  his  fire  having 
re-commenced,  it  was  again  returned.  At  12  minutes  after  10r 
the  enemy  having  suffered  greatly  and  having  made  no  return  to 
our  two  last  broadsides,  I  hailed  him  the  second  time  to  know  if 
he  had  surrendered,  when  he  answered  in  the  affirmative.  The 
guns  were  then  ordered  to  be  secured  and  the  boat  lowered  to  take 
possession.  In  the  act  of  lowering  the  boat,  a  second  brig  was 
discovered,  a  little  distance  astern  and  standing  for  us.  Sent  the 
crew  to  their  quarters,  prepared  every  thing  for  another  action, 
and  waited  his  coming  up — at  36  minutes  after  10,  discovered  two 
more  sail  astern  standing  towards  us.  I  now  felt  myself  com 
pelled  to  forego  the  satisfaction  of  destroying  the  prize.  Our 
braces  having  been  cut  away,  we  kept  oft'  the  wind  until  others 
could  be  rove,  and  with  the  expectation  of  drawing  the  second  brig 
from  his  companions,,  but  in  this  last  we  were  disappointed.  The 
second  brig  continued  to  approach  us  until  she  came  close  to  our 
stern,  when  she  hauled  by  the  wind,  fired  her  broadside  which  cut 
our  rigging  and  sails  considerably,  and  shot  away  a  lower  main 
cross  tree,  and  retraced  her  steps  to  join  her  consorts  ;  when  we 
were  necessitated  to  abandon  the  prize,  he  appeared  in  every  re 
spect  a  total  wreck.  He  continued  for  some  time  firing  guns  of 
distress  until  probably  delivered  by  the  two  last  vessels  who  made 
their  appearance.  The  second  brig  could  have  engaged  us  if  he 
had  thought  proper,  as  he  neared  us  fast,  but  contented  himself 
with  firing  a  broadside,  and  immediately  returned  to  his  compa 
nions. 

It  is  with  real  satisfaction  I  have  again  the  pleasure  of  bearing 
testimony  to  the  merits  of  lieutenants  Reily,  Tillinghast,  Berry 


419 

anrf  sailing  master  Can-;  and  to  the  good  conduct  of  every  officer 
and  man  on  board  the  Wasp.  Their  divisions  and  department* 
were  attended  and  supplied  with  the  utmost  regularity  and  abund 
ance,  which,  with  the  good  order  maintained,  together  with  the  vi 
vacity  and  precision  of  their  fire,  reflects  on  them  the  greatest  cre 
dit.  Our  loss  is  two  killed,  and  one  slight!}'  wounded  with  a  wad. 
The  hull  received  four  round  shot,  and  the  fore-mast  many  grape 
§hot.  Our  rigging  and  sails  suffered  a  great  deal.  Every  damage 
has  been  repaired  the  day  after,  with  the  exception  of  our  sails. 

Of  the  vessel  with  whom  we  were  engaged,  nothing  positive  can 
be  said  with  regard  to  her  name  or  force.  While  hailing  him, 
previous  to  his  being  fired  into,  it  was  blowing  fresh  (then  going 
ten  knots)  and  the  name  was  not  distinctly  understood.  Of  her 
force,  the  four  shot  which  struck  us,  are  all  thirty-two  pounds  in 
weight,  being  a  pound  and  three  quarters  heavier  than  any  belong 
ing  to  this  vessel.  From  this  circumstance,  the  number  of  men 
in  her  tops,  her  general  appearance  and  great  length,  she  is  believ 
ed  to  be  one  of  the  largest  brigs  in  the  British  navy. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

J.  BLAKELY. 
Hon.  Wm.  Jones,  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 

P.  S.  I  am  told  the  enemy,  after  his  surrender,  asked  for  assist 
ance,  and  said  he  was  sinking.  The  probability  of  this  is  confirm 
ed  by  his  firing  single  guns  for  some  time  after  his  capture. 

The  action  took  place  in  latitude  47  30  north,  longitude  It 
west. 

List  of  killed  and  ivounded  on  board  the  United  States7  sloop  of 
war.  Wasp,  Johnston  Blakely,  esquire,  commander,  in  the  action 
with  his  Britannic  majesty's  sloop  of  war  <  ,  on  the  1st 

September,  1814. 

KILLEO — Joseph  Martin,  boatswain  j  Henry  Staples,  quarter 
gunner.  WOUNDED — James  Snellings,  seaman,  collar  bone  frac 
tured  by  a  wad. 

RECAPITULATION — Killed,  2;  wounded,  1.     Total,  S. 

WM.  M.  CLARKE,  Surgeon. 

It  was  afterwards  ascertained  that  the  prize,  the  name  and  force 
of  which,  captain  Blakely  could  not  obtain,  was  the  British  brig 
of  war  Avon,  captain  Arbuthnot,  of  the  same  number  of  guns  a& 
the  Reindeer.  She  sunk  immediately  after  the  Castilion  which 
chased  the  Wasp,  had  taken  out  her  last  man. 

From  the  enemy's  account  it  appeared  that  her  captain  was 
wounded  in  both"  legs,  her  first  lieutenant  and  eight  men  killed, 
and  the  second  lieutenant,  one  midshipman,  and  31  men  wounded. 

After  repairing  damages,  the  WTasp  continued  her  cruize,  and 
on  the  21st  of  September,  she  captured,  off  the  Madeiras,  her 
thirteenth  priz^,  the  British  brig  Atalanta>  of  eight  guns-  This 


413 

vessel  arrived  at  Havannah  in  the  beginning  of  November  follow 
ing,  with  despatches  from  captain  Blakely,  and  under  the  com 
mand  of  Mr.  Geisinger  of  the  Wasp. 


U.  S.  SHIP  SARATOGA,  PLATTSBURGH  BAY, 

September  13th,  1814, 

SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  give  you  the  particulars  of  the  action 
which  took  place  on  the  llth  instant,  on  this  lake. 

For  several  days,  the  enemy  were  on  their  waytoPlattsburgh  by 
land  and  water,  and  it  being  well  understood  that  an  attack  woulcl 
be  made  at  the  same  time,  by  their  land  and  naval  forces,  I  de 
termined  to  await,  at  anchor,  the  approach  of  the  latter. 

At  eight  A.  M.  the  look-out  boat  announced  the  approach  of 
the  enemy.  At  nine,  he  anchored  in  a  line  ahead,  at  about  300 
yards  distance  from  my  line ;  his  ship  opposed  the  Saratoga,  his 
brig  to  the  Eagle,  captain  Robert  Henley ;  his  gallies,  thirteen 
in  number,  to  the  schooner,  sloop,  and  a  division  of  our  gallies ; 
one  of  his  sloops  assisting  their  ship  and  brig,  the  other  assisting 
their  gallies.  Our  remaining  gallies  with  the  Saratoga  and  Eagle. 

In  this  situation,  the  whole  force  on  both  sides,  became  engaged, 
the  Saratoga  suffering  much,  from  the  heavy  fire  of  the  Confi- 
ance.  I  could  perceive  at  the  same  time,  however,  that  our  fire 
was  very  destructive  to  her.  The  Ticonderoga,  lieutenant  com 
mandant  Cassin,  gallantly  sustained  her  full  share  of  the  action. 
At  half  past  10  o'clock,  the  Eagle  not  being  able  to  bring  her  guns 
to  bear,  cut  her  cable,  and  anchored  in  a  more  eligible  position,  be 
tween  my  ship  and  the  Ticonderoga,  where  she  very  much  annoyed 
the  enemy,  but  unfortunately,  leaving  me  exposed  to  a  galling  fire 
from  the  enemy's  brig.  Our  guns  on  the  starboard  side  being 
nearly  all  dismounted,  or  not  manageable,  a  stern  anchor  wap  let 
go,  the  bower  cut,  and  the  ship  winded  with  a  fresh  broadside  on 
the  enemy's  ship,  which  soon  after  surrendered.  Our  broadside 
was  then  sprung  to  bear  on  the  Jjrig,  which  surrendered  in  about 
15  minutes  after. 

The  sloop  that  was  opposed  to  the  Eagle,  had  struck  some  time 
before,  and  drifted  down  the  line;  the  sloop  which  was  with  their 
gallies  having  struck  also.  Three  of  their  gallies  are  said  to  be 
sunk,  the  others  pulled  off.  Our  gallies  were  about  obeying  with 
alacrity,  the  signal  to  follow  them,  when  all  the  vessels  were  re 
ported  to  me  to  be  in  a  sinking  state ;  it  then  became  necessary 
to  annul  the  signal  to  the  gallies,  and  order  their  men  to  the 
pumps.  I  could  only  look  at  the  enemy's  gallies  going  off  in  a 
shattered  condition,  for  there  was  not  a  mast  in  either  squadron 
that  could  stand  to  make  sail  on  ;  the  lower  rigging  being  nearly 
shot  away,  hung  down  as  though  it  had  been  just  plaet?d  ever  wjest 


414 

The  Saratoga  had  55  round  shot  in  her  hull,  the  Confiance  105; 
The  enemy's  shot  passed  principally  just  over  our  heads,  as  there 
were  not  20  whole  hammocks  in  tne  nettings  at  the  close  of  the 
action,  which  lasted,  without  intermission,  two  hours  and  twenty 
minutes. 

The  absence  and  sickness  of  lieutenant  Raymond  Perry,  left 
me  without  the  services  of  that  excellent  officer ;  much  ought 
fairly  to  be  attributed  to  him  for  his  great  care  and  attention  in ' 
disciplining  the  ship's  crew,  as  her  first  lieutenant.  His  place  was 
filled  by  a  gallant  young  officer,  Ueutenent  Peter  Gamble,  who  I 
regret  to  inform,  you,  was  killed  early  in  the  action.  Acting 
lieutenant  Vallette  worked  the  1st  and  2d  division  of  guns  with 
able  effect.  Sailing  master  Brum's  attention  to  the  springs,  and  in 
the  execution  of  the  order  to  wind  the  ship,  and  occasionally  at  the 
guns,  met  my  entire  approbation  :  also  captain  Youngs,  comman 
ding  the  acting  marines,  who  took  his  men  to  the  guns.  Mr  Beaie, 
purser,  was  of  great  service  at  the  guns,  and  in  carrying  my  or 
ders  throughout  the  ship,  with  midshipmen  Montgomery.  Mas 
ter's  mate,  Joshua  Justin,  had  command  of  the  3d  division  ;  his 
conduct  during  the  action,  was  that  of  a  brave  officer.  Midship 
men  Monteath,  Graham,  Williamson,  Platt,  Thwing,  and  act 
ing  midshipman  Baldwin,  all  behaved  well,  and  gave  evidence  of 
their  making  valuable  officers.  The  Saratoga  was  twice  set  on 
fire,  by  hot  shot  from  the  enemy's  ship. 

I  close,  sir,  this  communication,  with  feelings  of  gratitude,  for 
the  able  support  I  received  from  every  officer  and  man  attached 
to  the  squadron  which  I  have  the  honour  to  command. 
I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

T.  MACDONOUGH. 

Honourable  William  Jones, 

Secretary  of  the  Navy. 


UNITED  STATES'  SHIP  SARATOGA, 

September  13th,  1814. 

SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  inclose  to  you  a  list  of  the  killed  and 
wounded  on  board  the  different  vessels  of  the  squadron  under 
your  command  in  the  action  of  the  llth  instant.  It  is  impossible 
to  ascertain  correctly  that  of  the  enemy.  From  the  best  infor 
mation  received  from  the  British  officers,  from  my  own  observa 
tions  and  from  various  lists  found  on  board  the  Confiance,  I  calcu 
late  the  number  of  men  on  board  that  ship,  at  the  commencement 
of  the  action,  at  270,  of  whom  at  least  180  were  killed  and  woun 
ded,  and  on  board  the  other  captured  vessels,  at  leat  80  more, 
making  in  the  whole,  killed  and  wounded  260.  This  is,  doubtless, 
short  of  the  real  number,  as  many  were  thrown  overboard  from 
the  Confiance,  during  the  engagement.  The  muster  books  must 


415 

*  nave  been  thrown  overboard,  or  otherwise  disposed  of,  as  they  arc 
not  to  be  found. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

GEORGE  BEALE,  Jr.  Purser. 

Thomas  Macdonough,  Esqr. 

A  comparative  view  of  the  forces  and  loss, 

„  BRITISH — No.  of  guns  95  ;  men  1050 — killed  84;  wounded  HO, 
AMERICAN — No.  of  guns  86  ;  men  820 — killed  52 ;  wounded  58. 


U.  S.  SHIP  SARATOGA,  OFF  PITTSBURGH, 

September  13th,  1814. 

DEAR  SIR, 

Enclosed  is  a  copy  of  a  letter  from  captain  White  Youngs, 
and  a  list  of  killed  anfl  wounded  attached  to  his  command.  I 
beg  leave  to  recommend  captain  Youngs  to  your  particular  no 
tice  ;  during  the  action,  his  conduct  was  such  as  to  meet  with  my 
warmest  approbation.  I  feel  much  indebted  to  him  for  his  personal 
valor  and  example  of  coolness  and  intrepidity  to  his  own  men,  as 
well  as  to  the  sailors.  He  volunteered  in  a  sinking  boat,  to  carry 
my  order  to  the  gallies  for  close  action,  in  the  hottest,  part  of  it ; 
and  supplied  the  guns  with  his  men  as  fast  as  the  sailors  were 
disabled. 

I  am,  with  much  respect,  &c. 

T.  MACDONOUGH. 
Brigadier  general  Macomb. 


HEAD  QUARTERS,  PLATTSBURGH,  September  15th,  1814. 
SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  communicate  for  the  information  of  the 
war  department,  the  particulars  of  the  advance  of  the  enemy  into 
the  territory  ofjthe  United  States,  the  circumstances  attending  the 
siege  of  Plattsburgh,  and  the  defence  of  the  posts  entrusted  to 
my  charge. 

The  governor  general  of  the  Canadas,  sir  George  Prevost, 
having  collected  all  the  disposable  force  of  Lower  Canada,  with 
a  view  of  conquering  the  country  as  far  as  Crown  Point  and  Ti- 
conderoga,  entered  the  territories  of  the  United  States  on  the 
first  of  the  month,  and  occupied  the  village  of  Champlain,  there 
avowed  his  intentions,  and  issued  orders  and  proclamations  tend 
ing  to  dissuade  the  people  from  their  allegiance,  and  inviting 
them  to  furnish  his  army  with  provisions.  He  immediately  began 
to  press  the  wagons  and  teams  in  the  vicinity,  and  loaded  them 
with  his  heavy  baggage  and  stores.  From  this  I  was  persuaded 
he  intended  to  attack  this  place.  I  had  but  just  returned  from 
the  lines,  where  I  had  commanded  a  fine  brigade,  which  was 
broken  to  form  the  division  under  major  general  Izard,  ordered 


416 

to  the  westward.  Being  senior  officer  he  left  me  in  command, 
and  except  the  four  companies  of  the  sixth  regiment,  1  had  not 
an  organized  battalion  among  those  remaining.  The  garrison 
was  composed  of  convalescents  and  recruits  of  the  new  regi 
ments, — all  in  the  greatest  confusion,  as  well  as  the  ordnance  and 
stores,  and  the  works  in  no  state  of  defence. 

To  create  an  emulation  and  zeal  among  the  officers  and  men  in 
completing  the  works,  I  divided  them  into  detachments,  and 
placed  them  near  the  several  forts:  declaring  in  orders,  that  each 
detachment  was  the  garrison  of  its  own  work,  and  bound  to  de 
fend  it  to  the  last  extremity.  The  enemy  advanced  cautiously  and 
by  short  marches,  and  our  soldiers  worked  day  and  night ;  so 
that  by  the  tirae  he  made  his  appearance  before  this  place  we  were 
prepared  to  receive  him. 

General  Izard  named  the  principal  work  Fort  Moreau,  and  to 
remind  the  troops  of  the  actions  of  their  brave  countrymen,  I 
called  the  redoubt  on  the  right  Fort  Brown,  and  that  on  the  left 
fort  Scott.  Besides  these  three  works,  we  have  two  block 
houses  strongly  fortified. 

Finding  on  examining  the  returns  of  the  garrison,  that  our  force 
did  not  exceed  fifteen  hundred  effective  men  for  duty,  and  well  in 
formed  that  the  enemy  had  as  many  thousands,  I  called  on  gene 
ral  Mooers,  of  the  New  York  militia,  and  arranged  with  him  plans 
for  bringing  forth  the  militia  en  masse.  The  inhabitants  of  the 
village  fled  with  their  families  and  effects,  except  a.  few  worthy 
citizens  and  some  boys,  who  formed  themselves  into  a  party,  re 
ceived  rifles,  and  were  exceedingly  useful.  By  the  4th  of  the 
month,  general  Mooers  collected  about  700  militia,  and  advanced 
seven  miles  on  the  Beekman  town  road,  to  watch  the  motions  of 
the  enemy,  and  to  skirmish  with  him  as  ho  advanced  ;  also  to  ob 
struct  the  roads  with  fallen  trees,  and  to  break  up  the  bridges. 

On  the  Lake  road,  at  Deer  Creek  bridge,  I  posted  200  men 
under  captain  Sproul,  of  the  ISt-i  regiment,  with  orders  to  abattis 
the  woods,  to  place  obstructions  in  the  road,  and  to  fortify  himself; 
to  this  party,  I  added  two  field  pieces.  In  advance  of  that  posi 
tion,  was  lieutenant  colonel  Appling,  with  110  riflemen,  watching 
the  movements  of  the  enemy,  and  procuring  intelligence.  It  was 
ascertained,  that  before  day -light  on  the  6th,  the  enemy  would 
advance  in  two  columns,  on  the  two  roads  before  mentioned,  di*- 
viding  at  Sampson's,  a  little  below  Chazy  village.  The  column 
on  the  Beekman  town  road,  proceeded  most  rapidly;  the  militia 
skirmished  with  his  advanced  parties,  and,  except  a  few  brave 
men,  fell  back  most  precipitately  in  the  greatest  disorder,  not 
withstanding  the  British  troops  did  not  deign  to  fire  on  them,  ex 
cept  by  their  flankers  and  advanced  patroles.  The  night  previous, 
I  ordered  major  Wool  to  advance  with  a  detachment  of  250  men, 
to  support  the  militia,  and  set  them  an  example  of  firmness.  Also 
captain  Leonard,  of  the  light  artillery,  was  directed  to  proceed 
•with  two  pieces,  to  be  on  the  ground  before  day ;  yet  he  did 


417 

not  make  his  appearance  before  8  o'clock,  when  the  enemy  had 
approached  within  two  miles  of  the  village.  With  his  conduct, 
therefore,  I  am  not  well  pleased.  Major  Wool,  with  his  party, 
disputed  the  road  with  great  obstinacy,  hut  the  militia  could  not 
be  prevailed  on  to  stand,  notwithstanding  the  exertions  of  their 
general  and  staff  officers ;  although  the  fields  were  divided  by 
strong  stone  wails,  and  they  were  told  that  the  enemy  could  not 
possibly  cut  them  off.  The  state  dragoons  of  New  York  wear 
red  coats,  and  they  being  on  the  heights  to  watch  the  enemy,  gave 
constant  alarm  to  the  militia,  who  mistook  them  for  the  enemy, 
and  feared  his  getting  in  their  rear.  Finding  the  enemy's  columns 
had  penetrated  within  a  mile  of  Pittsburgh,  I  despatched  my 
aid -de -camp,  lieutenant  Root,  to  bring  off  the  detachment  at  Dead 
Creek,  and  to  inform  lieutenant  colonel  Appling  that  1  wished 
him  to  fall  on  the  enemy's  right  flank.  The  colonel  fortunately 
arrived  just  in  time  to  save  his  retreat,  and  to  fall  in  with  the 
head  of  a  column  debouch  ing  from  the  woods.  Here  he  poured  in 
a  destructive  fire  from  his  riilemen  at  rest,  and  continued  to  annoy 
the  column  until  he  formed  a  junction  with  major  Wool.  The 
field  pieces  did  considerable  execution  among  the  enemy's  co 
lumns.  So  undaunted,  however,  was  the  enemy,  that  he  never 
deployed  in  his  whole  march,  always  pressing  on  in  column.  Find 
ing  that  every  road  was  full  of  troops  crowding  on  us  on  all  sides, 
I  ordered  the  field  pieces  to  retire  across  the  bridge  and  form  a 
battery  for  its  protection,  and  to  cover  the  retreat  of  the  infantry, 
which  was  accordingly  done,  and  the  parties  ofJlppling  and  Wool, 
as  well  as  that  of  Sproul,  retired  alternately,  keeping  up  a  brisk 
fire  until  they  got  under  cover  of  the  works.  The  enemy's  light 
troops  occupied  the  houses  near  the  bridge,  and  kept  up  a  constant 
firing  from  the  windows  and  balconies,  and  annoyed  us  much.  I 
ordered  them  to  be  driven  out  with  hot  shot,  whicU  so^n  put  the 
houses  in  flames,  and  obliged  these  sharp  shooters  to  retire.  The 
whole  day,  until  it  was  too  late  to  see,  the  enemy's  light  troops 
endeavoured  to  drive  our  guards  from  the  bridge,  but  they  suffered 
dearly  for  their  perseverance.  An  attempt  was  also  made  to  cross 
the  upper  bridge,  where  the  militia  handsomely  drove  them  back. 
The  column  which  marched  by  the  Lake  road,  was  much  impeded 
by  the  obstructions  and  the  removal  of  the  bridge  at  Dead  creek, 
and,  as  it  passed  the  creek  and  beach,  the  gallies  kept  up  a  lively 
and  galling  fire.  Our  troops  being  now  all  on  the  south  side  of 
the  Saranac,  I  directed  the  planks  to  be  taken  off  the  bridges  and 
piled  up  in  the  form  of  breastworks  to  cover  our  parties  intended 
for  disputing  the  passage,  which  afterwards  enabled  us  to  hold  the 
bridges  against  very  superior  numbers. 

From  the  7th  to  the  1 1th,  the  enemy  was  employed  in  getting 
on  his  battering  train,  and  erecting  his  batteries  and  approaches, 
and  constantly  skirmishing  at  the  bridges  and  fords.  By  this  time, 
the  militia  of  New  York,  and  the  volunteers  of  Vermont,  were 
pouring  in  from  all  quarters.  I  advised  general  Mooers  to  keep 
53 


41S 

iiis  force  along  the  Saranac,  to  prevent  the  enemy's  cressing  the 
river,  and  to  send  a  strong  body  in  his  rear  to  larass  him  day  and 
night,  and  keep  him  in  continual  alarm.  The  militia  behaved 
with  great  spirit  after  the  first  day,  and  the  volunteers  of  Vermont 
were  exceedingly  serviceable.  Our  regular  troops,  notwithstand 
ing  the  constant  skirmishing  and  repeated  endeavours  of  the  ene 
my  to  cross  the  river,  kept  at  their  work  day  and  night  strength 
ening  the  defences,  and  evinced  a  determination  to  hold  out  to  the 
last  extremity. 

It  was  reported  that  the  enemy  had  only  waited  the  arrival  of 
his  flotilla,  to  make  a  general  attack.  About  eight  in  the  morning 
of  the  llth,  as  was  expected,  the  flotilla  appeared  in  sight  round 
Cumberland  Head,  and  at  nine,  bore  down  and  engaged  our  flo 
tilla  at  anchor  in  the  bay  oft' the  town.  At  the  same  instant,  the 
batteries  were  opened  on  us,  and  continued  throwing  bomb  shells, 
shrapnels,  balls,  and  congreve  rockets  until  sun-set,  when  the 
bombardment  ceased,  every  battery  of  the  enemy  being  silenced 
by  the  superiority  of  our  fire.  The  naval  engagement  lasted  but 
two  hours,  in  full  view  of  both  armies.  Three  efforts  were  made 
by  the  enemy  to  pass  the  river  at  the  commencement  of  the 
cannonade  and  bombardment,  with  a  view  of  assaulting  the  works, 
and  had  prepared  for  that  purpose  an  immense  number  of  scaling 
ladders.  One  attempt  to  cross  was  made  at  the  village  bridge, 
another  at  the  upper  bridge,  and  a  third  at  a  ford  about  three 
miles  from  the  works.  At  the  two  first,  he  was  repulsed  by  the 
regulars;  at  the  ford,  by  the  brave  volunteers  and  militia,  where 
lie  suffered  severely  in  killed,  wounded  and  prisoners ;  a  consi 
derable  body  having  crossed  the  stream,  but  were  either  killed, 
taken,  or  driven  back.  The  woods  at  this  place  were  very  favour 
able  to  the  operations  of  the  militia.  A  whole  company  of  the 
76th  regiment  was  here  destroyed,  the  three  lieutenants  and  27 
men  prisoners,  the  captain  and  the  rest  killed. 

I  cannot  forego  she  pleasure  of  here  stating  the  gallant 
Conduct  of  captain  M'Glassin  of  the  15th  regiment,  who  was 
ordered  to  ford  the  rivei,  and  attack  a  party  constructing  a  battery 
on  the  right  of  the  enemy's  line,  within  five  hundred  yards  of  fort 
Brown,  which  he  handsomely  executed  at  midnight  with  fifty 
men ;  drove  off  the  working  party  consisting  of  one  hundred  and 
fifty,  and  defeated  a  covering  party  of  the  same  number,  killing 
one  officer  and  six  men  in  the  charge  and  wounding  many.  At 
dusk  the  enemy  withdrew  his  artillery  from  the  batteries,  and 
raised  the  siege ;  at  nine,  under  cover  of  the  night,  sent  off  in  a 
great  hurry  all  the  baggage  he  could  find  transport  for,  and  also 
his  artillery.  At  two  next  morning  the  .whole  army  precipi 
tately  retreated,  leaving  the  sick  and  wounded  to  our  generosity, 
and  the  governor  left  a  note  with  a  surgeon  requesting  the  humane 
attention  of  the  commanding  general. 

Vast  quantities  of  provisions  were  left  behind  and  destroyed, 
also  an  immense  quantity  of  bombshells,  cannon  balls,  grape  shot, 


419 

ammunition,  flints,  &c.  &c.  intrenching  tools  of  all  sorts,  also  tent* 
and  marquees.  A  great  deal  has  been  found  concealed  in  the 
ponds  and  creeks,  and  buried  in  the  ground,  and  a  vast  quantity 
carried  oiF  by  the  inhabitants.  Such  was  the  precipitancy  of  his 
retreat,  that  he  arrived  at  Chazy,  a  distance  of  eight  miles,  before 
we  discovered  he  had  gone.  The  light  troops,  volunteers  and 
militia  pursued  immediately  on  learning  of  his  flight;  and  some 
of  the  mounted  men  made  prisoners  five  dragoons  of  the  19th 
regiment,  and  several  others  of  the  rear  guard.  A  continual  fall 
of  rain  and  a  violent  storm  prevented  further  pursuit.  Upwards 
of  300  deserters  have  come  in,  and  many  are  hourly  arriving.  We 
have  buried  the  British  officers  of  the  army  and  navy  with  the 
honours  of  war,  and  shown  every  attention  and  kindness  to  those 
who  have  fallen  into  our  hands. 

The  conduct  of  the  officers,  non-commissioned  officers,  and 
soldiers  of  my  command,  during  this  trying  occasion,  cannot  be 
represented  in  too  high  terms,  and  I  feel  it  my  duty  to  recommend 
to  the  particular  notice  of  government,  lieutenant  colonel  Appling 
of  the  1st  rifle  corps,  major  Wool  of  the  29th,  major  Totten  oi 
the  corps  of  engineers,  captain  Brooks  of  the  artillery,  captain 
M'Glassin  of  the  15th,  lieutenants  De  Russy  and  Trescott  of  the 
corps  of  engineers,  lieutenants  Smyth,  Mountford,  and  Cromwell 
of  the  artillery,  also  my  aid-de-camp  lieutenant  Root,  who  have 
all  distinguished  themselves  by  their  uncommon  zeal  and  activity, 
and  have  been  greatly  instrumental  in  producing  the  happy  and 
glorious  result  of  the  siege. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

ALEXANDER  MACOMB. 
The  Secretary  of  War. 

The  loss  of  the  enemy  in  killed,  wounded,  prisoners  and  desert 
ers,  since  his  first  appearance,  cannot  fall  short  of  2500,  in  elud 
ing  many  officers,  among  whom,  is  colonel  Wellington  of  the 
buffs. 

Report  of  the  killed,  wounded  and  missing  at  Plattsburgh,  from 
the  6th  to  the  llth  of  September,  1814. 

Non-commissioned  officers  and  privates,  killed- — 37 

wounded — 62 
missing — 20 

i  in 

"•"•I  1J7 

Commissioned  Officers. 

1st  lieutenant  George  W.  Rank,  wounded  on  the  7th,  and  died  on 

the  8th  of  September. 
3d  lieutenant  R.  M.  Harrison,  wounded, 
do.          Henry  Taylor,        do. 


420 

List  of  the  principal  British  officers,  and  an  exhibit  of  the  several 
corps  under  the  command  of  lieutenant  general  Sir  George 
Prevost,  at  the  siege  of  PLATTSBURGH. 

Lieutenant  general  Sir  George  Prevost,  commander  in  chief, 
major  general  De  Rottenburg,  major  general  Robertson,  major 
general  Powers,  major  general  Brisbane,  major  general  Banes,  sir 
Sidney  Beckwith,  colonel  Hughes,  major  Sinclair,  lieutenant  co 
lonel  Tryall,  captain  Murray,  colonel  Burke,  major  Montgomery, 
captain  Davis,  &c. 

Regiments  and  corps  of  the  British  army. 

1st  Brigade, 3700 

2d       do.                                                             ...  3600 

3d       do.                                               3100 

Light  do. 2800 

do.  Dragoons, 300 

•Royal  Artillery, 400 

Rocketeers,  Sappers  and  Miners, 100 

14,000 


HEAD  QUARTERS  3d  BRIGADE,  BALTIMORE, 

September  15th,  1814. 

SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  report  to  you,  that,  in  obedience  to  your 
orders,  I  marched  from  Baltimore,  on  Sunday  the  llth  instant, 
with  part  of  my  brigade,  as  the  advance  corps  of  the  army  under 
your  command.  My  force  consisted  of  550  of  the  5th  regiment, 
under  lieutenant  colonel  Sterret ;  620  of  the  6ih,  under  lieuten 
ant  colonel  M'Donald;  500  of  the  27th,  under  lieutenant  colonel 
Long;  450  of  the  39th,  under  lieutenant  colonel  Fowler:  700  of 
the  51st,  under  lieutenant  colonel  Amey  ;  150  riflemen,  under  cap 
tain  Dyer;  140  cavalry,  under  lieutenant  colonel  Blays,  and  the 
Union  artillery  of  75  men,  with  six  four  pounders,  under  captain 
Montgomery,  making  an  aggregate  of  3,185  effective  men.  I 
moved  towards  North  Point,  by  the  main  road,  and  at  8  o'clock 
P.  M.  reached  the  meeting-house,  near  the  head  of  Bear  creek, 
seven  miles  from  this  city.  Here  the  brigade  halted,  with  the 
exception  of  the  cavalry,  who  were  pushed  forward  to  Gorsuch's 
farm  three  miles  in  advance,  and  the  riflemen,  who  took  post  near 
the  blacksmith's  shop,  two  miles  in  advance  of  our  encampment. 
At  7  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  the  12th,  I  received  information 
from  the  advanced  videttes,  that  the  enemy  were  debarking  troops 
from  and  under  cover  of  their  gun  vessels  which  layoff  the  bluft" 
of  North  Point,  within  the  mouth  of  Patapsco  river.  I  immediate 
ly  ordered  back  my  baggage  under  a  strong  guard,  moved  for 
ward  the  5th  and  27th  regiments  and  my  artillery  to  the  head  of 
Long-log-lane  (so  called)  resting  the  5th  with  its  right  on  the 


421 

head  of  a  branch  of  Bear  creek,  and  its  left  on  the  main  North 
Point  road,  while  the  27th  was  posted  on  the  opposite  side  of  the 
road  in  line  with  the  5th,  its  left  extending  towards  a  branch  of 
Back  river.  The  artillery  I  posted  directly  at  the  head  of  the 
lane  in  the  interval  between  the  5th  and  27th.  The  39th  occupied 
aground  300  yards  in  the  rear  of  the  27th,  and  the  51st  the  same 
distance  in  rear  of  the  5th,  extending  each  parallel  to  the  front 
line.  The  6th  regiment  was  thrown  back  to  a  position  a  short 
distance  this  side  of  Cook's  tavern,  and  half  a  mile  in  the  rear  of 
the  second  line.  My  orders  were,  that  the  5th  and  27th  should 
receive  the  enemy,  and  if  necessary,  fall  back  through  the  51st 
and  39th,  and  form  on  the  right  of  the  6th  or  reserve  regiments. 
The  riflemen  were  ordered  to  the  skirts  of  a  thick  low  pine  wood, 
beyond  the  blacksmith's  shop,  with  a  large  sedge-field  in  front,  that 
as  the  cavalry  were  still  in  advance,  who  would  inform  him  of  the 
enemy's  approach,  they  might  take  advantage  of  the  covering  of 
the  wood,  and  annoy  his  advance.  I  soon  learned  that  the  ene 
my's  advance  party  was  moving  rapidly  up  the  main  road,  and  as 
the  cavalry  continually  announced  their  progress,  I  flattered  my 
self  with  the  hope  that  the  riflemen  would  soon  proclaim,  by  a 
galling  fire,  their  still  nearer  approach.  Imagine  my  chagrin  when 
I  perceived  the  whole  rifle  corps  falling  baclc  upon  my  main  posi 
tion,  having  too  credulously  listened  to  groundless  information, 
that  the  enemy  were  landing  on  Back  river  to  cut  them  off.  My 
hopes  of  early  annoyance  to  the  enemy,  being  thus  frustrated,  I 
threw  the  riflemen  on  the  right  flank  of  my  front  line,  thereby, 
with  the  addition  of  a  few  cavalry,  very  well  securing  that  flank. 
My  videttes  soon  brought  information,  that  the  enemy  in  small 
force,  was  enjoying  himself  at  Gorsuch's  farm.  Insulted  at  the 
idea  of  a  small  marauding  party  thus  daringly  provoking  chas 
tisement,  several  of  my  officers  volunteered  their  corps  to  dislodge 
it.  Captains  Levering's  and  Howard's  companies,  from  the  5th, 
about  150  in  number,  under  major  Heath,  of  that  regiment;  cap 
tain  Aisquith's,  and  a  few  other  riflemen,  in  all  about  70 ;  one 
four  pounder,  with  10  men,  under  lieutenant  Stiles,  and  the  ca 
valry,  were  immediately  pushed  forward  to  punish  the  insolence 
of  the  enemy's  advance,  or,  if  his  main  body  appeared,  to  give 
evidence  of  my  wish  for  a  general  engagement.  The  latter  pur 
pose  was  soon  answered  :  this  small  volunteer  corps  had  proceeded 
scarcely  half  a  mile  before  the  main  body  of  the  enemy  showed 
itself,  which  was  immediately  attacked.  The  infantry  and  rifle 
men  maintained  a  fire  of  some  loss  in  killed  and  wounded ;  the 
cavalry  and  artillery,  owing  to  the  disadvantageous  ground,  not, 
being  able  to  support  them.  In  this  skirmish,  major  Heath's  horse 
was  killed  under  him.  At  half  past  2  o'clock,  the  enemy  com 
menced  throwing  rockets  across  my  left  flank,  which  seemed 
harmless,  and  had  no  other  effect  than  to  prepare  my  line  for  the 
sound  of  the  artillery,  which  soon  commenced  by  us  on  the  ene 
my's  right  column,  then  pushing  across  towards  my  lefty  and  re- 


422 

turned  by  their  six  pounders  and  a  howitzer  upon  iny  left  and 
centre.  The  cannonading  was  brisk  for  some  minutes,  when  I 
ordered  my  fire  to  cease,  until  the  enemy  should  get  within  close 
range  of  cannister.  Seeing  that  my  left  flank  was  the  object  of  the 
enemy,  I  brought  up  the  39th  into  line,  on  the  left  of  the  27th, 
and  detached  two  pieces  of  artillery  to  the  left  of  the  39th.  Still 
more  securely  to  protect  my  left  flank,  colonel  Amey  of  the  51st 
was  ordered  to  form  his  regiment  at  right  angles  with  my  line, 
resting  his  right  near  the  left  of  the  39th.  This  order  being  badly 
executed,  created  for  a  moment  some  confusion  in  that  quarter, 
but  was  soon  rectified  by  the  efforts  of  my  aid-de-camp  and  brigade 
majors ;  who  corrected  the  error  of  colonel  Amey,  and  posted  the 
51st  in  its  ordered  position.  The  enemy's  right  column  displayed 
and  advanced  upon  the  39th  and  27th.  The  51st,  unmindful  of 
my  object  to  use  its  fire  in  protection  of  my  left  flank,  in  case  an 
attempt  should  be  made  to  turn  it,  totally  forgetful  of  the  honour 
of  the  brigade,  and  regardless  of  its  own  reputation,  delivered 
one  random  fire,  and  retreated  precipitately,  and  in  such  confu 
sion,  as  to  render  every  effort  of  mine  to  rally  them,  ineffective. 
Some  disorder  was  occasioned  in  the  second  battalion  of  the  39th, 
by  the  flight  of  the  5 1st,  and  a  few  gave  way.  The  fire  now  be 
came  general  from  left  to  right ;  my  artillery  in  the  centre,  poured 
forth  an  incessant  volley  of  cannister  upon  the  enemy's  left  column, 
who  were  endeavouring  to  gain  the  cover  of  a  small  log-house, 
about  fifty  yards  in  front  of  the  5th  ;  which,  however,  caution  had 
been  taken  to  fire,  so  soon  as  captain  Saddler's  Yagers,  of  the  5th, 
(who  were  originally  posted  therein)  should  be  tompelled  to  leave 
it.  The  enemy's  line  advanced  about  10  minutes  before  3  o'clock, 
with  a  severe  fire,  which  was  well  returned  by  the  artillery,  the 
whole  27th,  the  5th,  except  the  three  companies  of  captains  Le 
vering,  Howard  and  Saddler,  which  were  too  much  exhausted  by 
the  advanced  skirmish  of  the  two  former,  and  the  ordered  retreat 
of  the  latter  to  resume  their  positions  in  line;  and  from  the  first 
battalion  of  the  39th,  who  maintained  its  ground  in  despite  of  the 
disgraceful  example  set  by  the  intended  support  on  the  left.  The 
fire  was  incessant  till  about  15  minutes  before  4  o'clock,  when 
finding  that  my  line,  now  1400  strong,  was  insufficient  to  with 
stand  the  superior  numbers  of  the  enemy,  and  my  left  flank  being 
exposed  by  the  desertion  of  the  51st,  I  was  constrained  to  order 
a  movement  back  to  the  reserve  regiment,  under  colonel  M'Don- 
ald,  which  was  well  posted  to  receive  the  retired  line  which  most 
ly  rallied  well.  On  forming  with  the  6th,  the  fatigued  state  of 
the  regiments  and  corps  which  had  retired,  and  the  probability 
that  my  right  flank  might  be  turned  by  a  quick  movement  of  the 
enemy  in  that  direction,  induced  me,  after  proper  deliberation,  to 
fall  back  to  Worthington's  mill ;  which  I  was  the  more  persuaded 
to,  by  my  desire  to  have  the  6th  regiment  (whose  officers  and  men 
were  eager  to  share  the  dangers  of  their  brother  soldiers)  perfect 
and  in  good  order  to  receive  the  enemy  on  his  nearer  approach  t*» 


423 

the  city.  All  retired  as  I  could  wish,  and  were  ready  to  act  as 
circumstances  might  require.  In  this  situation  you  found  the  bri 
gade  on  the  morning  of  the  13th,  somewhat  fatigued,  but  with  in 
creased  confidence  in  ourselves,  and  renewing  our  preparation  for 
the  annoyance  of  the  enemy  alone  if  deemed  proper,  or  in  con 
junction  with  any  other  force. 

I  have  thought  it  due  to  the  merits  of  my  brigade,  to  detail  thus 
fully  their  whole  movement,  and  I  feel  a  pride  in  the  belief  that 
the  stand  made  on  Monday  in  no  small  degree  tended  to  check 
the  temerity  of  a  foe,  daring  to  invade  a  country  like  ours,  and 
designing  the  destruction  of  our  city,  in  whose  defence  some 
of  the  best  blood  in  the  country  has  already  been  spilt,  and  for 
whose  safety  and  protection  the  citizen  soldiers  of  the  3d  brigade 
are  ready  to  suffer  every  privation,  and  meet  every  danger. 
Should  report  be  true,  (and  I  doubt  not  the  fact)  that  the  enemy's 
commanding  officer,  major  general  Ross,  was  killed  in  this  action, 
and  that  the  enemy  suffered  in  proportion  to  his  superior  numbers, 
I  shall  feel  still  more  the  valuable  consequences  of  our  fight. 

The  conduct  of  many  of  my  company,  officers  and  privates,  was 
such  as  I  calculated  on ;  that  of  most  of  my  field  officers  also  me 
rits  my  particular  notice.  Major  Richard  K.  Heath  of  the  5th,  who 
led  on  the  advanced  party  to  bring  on  the  action,  behaved  as  be 
came  an  officer ;  the  facts  of  his  horse  being  killed  under  him  in  the 
first  skirmish,  his  second  being  badly  wounded,  and  himself  receiv 
ing  a  contusion  on  the  head  by  a  musket  ball,  in  the  general  action, 
are  ample  proofs  of  his  bravery  and  exposure  in  discharge  of  his 
duty.  Lieutenant  colonel  Sterret,  and  major  Barry  of  the  5th, 
gained  my  highest  approbation,  and  they  unite  with  all  in  praise 
of  captain  Spangler  and  his  company  of  volunteers  from  Penn 
sylvania,  then  attached  to  their  command  ;  also  of  adjutant 
Cheston,  who  is  slightly  wounded.  Lieutenant  colonel  Long 
of  the  27th,  and  his  field  and  company  officers,  did  well ;  this  whole 
regiment  were  unsurpassed  in  bravery,  resolution  and  enthusiasm. 
My  brigade  has  to  bewail  the  loss  of  adjutant  James  L.  Donald 
son,  who  fell  in  the  hottest  of  the  fight,  bravely  discharging  the 
duties  of  his  commission.  Lieutenant  colonel  Fowler,  and  ma 
jor  Steiger,  of  the  39th,  did  their  duty  in  every  respect ;  they 
speak  highly  of  the  volunteer  companies  of  captain  Quantril 
from  Hagerstown,  and  captain  Metzgar  from  Hanover,  Pa.  Cap 
tain  Quantril  is  wounded.  Captain  John  Montgomery,  command 
ing  my  artillery,  gained  for  himself  and  his  company  lasting 
honour.  Captain  Aisquith  and  his  company  of  riflemen,  merit 
my  thanks.  Ensign  Wilmot,  commanding  the  company  of  Uni 
ted  Volunteers  of  the  5th,  and  many  of  his  men,  distinguished 
themselves. 

To  brigade  majors  Calhoun  and  Frailey,  I  am  under  great  obli 
gations  for  the  prompt  nd  zealous  performance  of  their  duty. 
To  my  aid-de-camp,  major  George  P.  Stevenson,  too  much  praise 
cannot  be  given :  his  industry  in  every  arrangement  before  the 


424 

fight,  and  in  animating  the  whole  line,  was  conspicuous  ;  the 
sprightliness  of  his  manners  in  the  most  trying  scenes  had  the 
happiest  effect  upon  all  to  whom  he  had  to  communicate  my  or 
ders  ;  and  the  precision  with  which  he  delivered  my  commands, 
could  be  exceeded  only  by  the  coolness  with  which  he  always  saw 
them  executed.  He  was  animated,  brave,  and  useful.  Major 
W.  Barney,  and  adjutant  L.  Taylor,  of  the  cavalry,  who,  having 
no  opportunity  of  distinction  in  regiment  owing  to  the  grounds, 
did  me  great  service,  the  former  in  aiding  captain  Montgomery, 
the  latter  in  conveying  my  orders  through  the  whole.  Mr.  Robert 
Goodloe  Harper  deserves  my  thanks.  He  visited  me  just  before 
the  action  ;  accompanied  the  advanced  party,  and  aided  me  much 
throughout.  The  brave  soldiers  under  my  command  have  suffered 
many  privations,  and  I  recognize  among  our  killed  and  wounded 
many  valuable  men ;  of  which  I  will  make  a  report  in  a  few 
days. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

JOHN  STRICKER, 

Brig.  Gen.  Commanding  Sd  Brigade  M.  M. 
Major  Gehcral  Smith, 


FORT  BOWYER,  September  15th,  1814,  12  o'clock  at  night. 

SIR, 

After  writing  the  enclosed,  I  was  prevented  by  the  approach 
of  the  enemy  from  sending  it  by  express.  At  meridian  they 
were  under  full  sail,  with  an  easy  and  favourable  breeze,  standing 
directly  for  the  fort,  and  at  4  P.  M.  we  opened  our  battery,  which 
was  returned  from  two  ships  and  two  brigs,  as  they  approached. 
The  action  became  general  at  about  20  minutes  past  4,  and  was 
continued,  without  intermission  on  either  side,  until  7,  when  one 
ship  and  two  brigs  were  compelled  to  retire.  The  leading  ship, 
supposed  to  be  the  commodore,  mounting  twenty-two  32  pound 
carronades,  having  anchored  nearest  our  battery,  was  so  much 
disabled,  her  cable  being  cut  by  our  shot,  that  she  drifted  on  shore, 
within  600  yards  of  the  battery,  and  the  other  vessels  having  got 
out  of  our  reach,  we  kept  such  a  tremendous  fire  upon  her  that 
she  was  set  on  fire  and  abandoned  by  the  few  of  the  crew  who 
survived.  At  10  P.  M.  we  had  the  pleasure  of  witnessing  the 
explosion  of  her  magazine.  The  loss  of  lives  on  board  must 
have  been  immense,  as  we  are  certain  no  boats  left  her  except 
three,  which  had  previously  gone  to  her  assistance,  and  one  of 
these  I  believe  was  sunk  ;  in  fact  one  of  her  boats  was  burned 
along  side  of  her. 

The  brig  that  followed  her,  I  am  certain,  was  much  damaged 
both  in  hull  and  rigging.  The  other  two  did  not  approach  near 
enough  to  be  so  much  injured,  but  I  am  confident  they  did  not 
escape,  as  a  well  directed  fire  was  kept  on  them  during  the 
whole  time. 


425 

"During  the  action  a  battery  of  a  12  pounder  and  a  howitzer  was 
Opened  on  our  rear,  but  without  doing  any  execution,  and  was 
silenced  by  a  few  shot*  Our  loss  is  four  privates  killed  and  five 
privates  wounded. 

Towards  the  close  of  the  action  the  flag-staff  was  shot  awaV; 
but  the  flag  was  immediately  hoisted  on  a  sponge  staff  over  tne 
parapet.  While  the  flag  was  down  the  enemy  kept  up  their  most 
incessant  and  tremendous  fire  ;  the  men  were  withdrawn  from  the 
curtins  and  north-east  bastion,  as  the  enemy's  own  shot  complete 
ly  protected  our  rear,  except  the  position  they  had  chosen  for 
their  battery.  Where  all  behaved  well  it  is  unnecessary  to  discrim 
inate.  Suffice  it  to  say,  every  officer  and  man  did  his  duty ;  the 
whole  behaved  with  that  coolness  and  intrepidity  which  is  char 
acteristic  of  the  true  American,  and  which  could  scarcely  have 
been  expected  from  men  most  of  whom  had  never  seen  an  ene 
my,  and  were  now  for  the  first  time  exposed  for  nearly  three 
hours  to  a  force  of  nearly  or  quite  four  guns  to  one. 

We  fired  during  the  action  between  4  and  500  guns,  most  of 
them  double  shotted,  and  after  the  first  half  hour  but  few  missed 
an  effect. 

September  16th,  11  o'clock,  A.  M. 

Upon  an  examination  of  our  battery  this  morning,  we  find  up 
wards  of  300  shot  holes  in  the  inside  of  the  north  and  east  cur- 
tins,  and  north-east  bastion,  of  all  calibres,  from  musket  ball  to  32 
pound  shot.  In  the  north-east  bastion,  there  were  three  guns  dis 
mounted  ;  one  of  which,  a  four  pounder,  was  broken  off  near  the 
trunnions  by  a  32  pound  shot,  and  another  much  battered.  I  regret 
to  say  that  both  the  24  pounders  are  cracked  in  such  a  manner 
as  to  render  them  unfit  for  service. 

I  am  informed  by  two  deserters  from  the  land  force,  who  have 
just  arrived  here,  and  whom  I  send  for  your  disposal,  that  a  rein 
forcement  is  expected,  when  they  will  doubtless  endeavour  to 
wipe  of  the  stain  of  yesterday. 

If  you  will  send  the  Amelia  down,  we  may  probably  save  most 
or  all  of  the  ship's  guns,  as  her  wreck  is  lying  in  six  or  seven 
feet  water,  and  some  of  them  are  just  covered,.  They  will  not, 
however,  answer  for  the  fort,  as  they  are  two  short. 

By  the  deserters,  we  learn  that  the  ship  we  have  destroyed 
was  the  Hermes,  but  her  commander's  name  they  did  not  recol 
lect.  It  was  the  commodore,  and  he  doubtless  fell  on  his  quarter 
deck,  as  we  had  a  raking  fire  upon  it  at  about  two  hundred  yards 
distance  for  some  time, 

To  captain  Sands,  who  will  have  the  honour  of  handing  you 
this  despatch,  I  refer  you  for  a  more  particular  account  of  the 
movements  of  the  enemy  than  may  be  contained  in  my  letters  $ 
his  services,  both  before  and  during  the  action,  were  of  great  im 
portance,  and  I  consider  fully  justify  me  in  having  detained  him* 
Captain  Walsh  and  several  mm  were  ipnch  burned  by  the 
54 


426 

dental  explosion  of  two  or  three  cartridges.     They  arc  not  in 
cluded  in  the  list  of  wounded  heretofore  given. 

The  enemy's  fleet,  this  morning  at  day  break,  were  at  anchor  m 
the  channel,  about  four  miles  from  the  fort ;  shortly  after  it  got 
under  way  and  stood  to  sea;  after  passing  the  bar  they  hove  to, 
and  boats  have  been  constantly  passing  between  the  disabled  brig 
and  the  others.  I  presume  the  former  is  so  much  injured  as  to 
render  it  necessary  to  lighten  her* 

Fifteen  Minutes  after  1  P.  M. 

The  whole  fleet  have  this  moment  made  sail  and  are  standing 
to  sea. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 
WILLIAM  LAWRENCE. 

Major  general  Andrew  Jackson,  &c. 


HEAD  QUARTERS,  7th  MILITARY  DISTRICT, 

Mobile,  September  17th,  1814, 

SIR, 

With  lively  emotions  of  satisfaction,  I  communicate  that 
success  has  crowned  the  gallant  eftbrts  of  our  brave  soldiers,  in 
resisting  and  repulsing  a  combined  British  naval  and  land  force, 
which,  on  the  15th  instant,  attacked  fort  Bowyer,  on  the  point  of 
Mobile. 

I  enclose  a  copy  of  the  official  report  of  major  William  Law 
rence,  of  the  2d  infantry,  who  commanded.  In  addition  to  the 
particulars  communicated  in  his  letter,  I  have  learnt  that  the  ship 
which  was  destroyed,  was  the  Hermes,  of  from  24  to  28  guns, 
captain  the  honourable  William  H.  Percy,  senior  officer  in  the 
gulf  of  Mexico;  and  the  brig  so  considerably  damaged,  is  the 
Sophia,  18  guns,  captain  William  Lockyer.  The  other  ship  was 
the  Carron,  of  from  24  to  28  guns,  captain  Spencer,  son  of  Earl 
Spencer ;  the  other  brig's  name  unknown.  On  board  of  the 
Cr.rron,  85  men  were  killed  and  wounded;  among  whom,  was 
colonel  Nicoll,  of  the  royal  marines,  who  lost  an  eye  by  a  splinter. 
Tl  e  land  force  consisted  of  110  marines  and  200  Creek  Indians, 
under  the  command  of  captain  Woodbine,  of  marines,  and  about 
20  artillerists,  with  one  four  and  an  half  inch  howitzer,  from 
which  they  discharged  shells  and  nine  pound  shot.  They  re-em 
barked  the  piece,  and  retreated  by  land  towards  Pensacola, 
whence  they  came. 

By  the  morning  report  of  the  16th,  there  were  present  in  the 
fort,  fit  for  duty,  officers  and  men,  158. 

The  result  of  this  engagement  has  stamped  a  character  on  the 
war  in  this  quarter,  highly  favourable  to  the  American  arms ;  it  is 
an  event  from  which  may  be  drawn  the  most  favourable  augury. 

An  achievement  so  glorious  in  itself,  and  important  in  its  con 
sequences,  should  be  appreciated  by  the  government  j  and  those 


427 

Concerned  are  entitled  to,  and   will  doubtless  receive,  the  raoaj: 
gratifying  evidence  of  the  approbation  of  their  countrymen. 

In  the  words  of  major  Lawrence,  "  where  all  behaved  well  it 
is  unnecessary  to  discriminate."  But  all  being  meritorious,  I 
beg  leave  to  annex  the  names  of  the  officers  who  were  engaged 
arid  present,  and  hope  they  will,  individually,  be  deemed  worthy  of 
distinction. 

Major  AVilliam  Lawrence,  2d  infantry,  commanding ;  captain 
Walsh,  of  the  artillery,  captains  Chamberlain,  Brownlow  and 
Bradley  of  the  2d  infantry,  captain  Sands,  deputy-commissary 
of  ordnance,  lieutenants  Villard,  Sturges,  Conway,  H.  Sanders, 
T.  R.  Sanders,  Brooks,  Davis,  and  C.  Sanders,  all  of  the  2d 
infantry. 

I  am  confident  that  your  own  feelings  will  lead  you  to  partici 
pate  in  my  wishes  on  thi&  subject.  Permit  me  to  suggest  the 
propriety  and  justice  of  allowing  to  this  gallant  band  the  value  of 
the  vessel  destroyed  by  them. 

I  remain,  &c. 

ANDREW  JACKSON,  Brig.  Gen.  Com 
The  Hon.  Secretary  of  War, 


ATTACK  ON  BALTIMORE. 

On  the  approach  of  the  fleet  destined  against  Baltimore  to  the 
mouth  of  the  Patapsco,  consisting  of  nearly  forty  sail,  and  among 
them  several  ships  ot  the  line,  the  alarm  spread  quickly  through 
the  adjacent  country.  The  largest  vessels  anchored  across  the 
channel ;  the  troops  intended  tor  the  land  attack  were  debarked 
upon  North  Point,  fourteen  miles  distant  from  the  city,  by  land, 
and  twelve  by  water,  and  on  the  morning  of  September  12th, 
between  7  and  8000  soldiers,  sailors,  and  marines,  had  effected  a 
landing,  while  ]  6  bomb-vessels  and  frigates  proceeded  up  the 
river,  and  anchored  within  two  miles  and  an  half  of  Fort  M'Henry. 
The  further  result  of  the  enterprize  will  be  found  in  the  letter 
following,  from  major  general  Smith,  to  the  Secretary  of  War. 

HEAD  QUARTERS,  BALTIMORE,  September  19th,  1814. 
SIR, 

In  compliance  with  the  promise  contained  in  my  letter  of  the 
1 5th  instant,  I  have  now  the  honour  of  stating,  that  the  enemy  landed 
between  7  and  8000  men,  on  Monday  the  12th  instant,  at  North 
Point,  fourteen  miles  distant  from  this  town.  Anticipating  this 
debarkation,  general  Strieker  had  been  detached  on  Sunday  even 
ing  with  a  portion  of  his  brigade  on  the  North  Point  road.  Ma 
jor  Randal,  of  the  Baltimore  county  militia,  having  under  his 
command  a  light  corps  of  riflemen  and  musketry,  taken  from  ge 
neral  Stansbury's  brigade  and  the  Pennsylvania  volunteers,  was 
detached  to  the  mouth  of  Bear  creek,  with  orders  to  co-operate 


428 

with  general  Strieker,  and  to  check  any  landing  which  the  enemy 
might  attempt  to  make  in  that  quarter.     On  Monday,  brigadie'r 
general  Strieker  took  a  good  position  at  the  two  roads  leading 
From  this  place  to  North  Point,  having  his  right  flanked  by  Bear 
creek,  and  his  left  by  a  marsh.     He  here  awaited  the  approach  of 
the  enemy,  having  sent  an  advanced  corps  under  the  command  of 
major  Heath,  of  the  5th  regiment.     This  advance  was  met  bv  that 
of  the  enemy,  and  after  some  skirmishing  it  returned  to  the  line, 
the  main  body  of  the  enemy  being  at  a  short  distance  in  the  rear 
of  their   advance.     Between  two  and  three  o'clock  the  enemy's 
whole  force  came  up  and  commenced  the  battle  by  some  dis- 
chares  of  rockets,  which  were  succeeded  by  the  cannon  from  both 
sides,    and  soon  after  the  action   became  general  along  the   line. 
General  Strieker  gallantly  maintained  his  ground  against  a  great 
superiority  of  numbers   during  the  space  of  an  hour  and  twenty 
minutes,  when  the  regiment  on  his  left  (the  51st)  giving  way,  he 
was  under  the    necessity  of  retiring   to  the  ground   in  his  rear, 
where  he  had  stationed  one  regiment  as  a  reserve.    He  here  formed 
his  brigade  ;  but   the  enemy  not  thinking  it   advisable  to  pursue, 
he,  in  compliance  with  previous  arrangements,  fell  back  and  took 
post  on  the  left  of  my  entrenchments,  and  a  half  mile  in  advance 
of  them.     In    this   affair  the   citizen  soldiers  of  Baltimore,  with 
the  exception  of  the  51st  regiment,  have  maintained  the  reputa 
tion  they  so  deservedly  acquired  at  Bladensburg,  and  their  brave 
and  skilful  leader  has  confirmed  the  confidence  which  we  had  all 
so  justly  placed  in  him,     J  take  the  liberty  of  referring  you  to  his 
letter  for  the   more  particular   mention  of  the  individuals  who, 
new  to  warfare,  have  shown  the  coolness  and  valor  of  veterans ; 
and  who,  by  their  conduct  on  this  occasion,  have  given  their  coun 
try   and  their  city  an  assurance  of  what  may  be  expected  from 
*them    when  their   services  are  again  required.     I    cannot  dis 
miss  the   subject   without  expressing  the   heartfelt   satisfiction  I 
experienced  in    thus  bearing  testimony  to  the  courage  and   good 
conduct    of  my    fellow   townsmen.     About   the    time    general 
Strieker  had  taken   the  ground  just  mentioned,  he  was  joined  by 
brigadier   general  Winder,  who  had  been  stationed   on  the  west 
side  of  the  city,  but  was   now  ordered   to  march   with  general 
Douglas's  brigade  of  Virginia  militia  and  the  United  States'  dra 
goons  under  captain   Bird,  and  take  post  on  the   left  of  general 
Strieker.     During  these  movements  the  brigades  of  general  Stans- 
bury  and  Foreman,  the  seamen  and   marines  under  commodore 
Rodgers,  the  Pennsylvania  volunteers  under  colonels  Cobean  and 
Findley,  the  Baltimore  artillerv  under  captain  Stiles,  manned  the 
trenches  and  the  batteries — all  prepared  to  receive  the  enemy. 
We  remained  in  this  situation  during  the  night, 

On  Tuesday,  the  enemy  appeared  in  front  of  my  entrenchments 
at  the  distance  of  two  miles,  on  the  Philadelphia  road,  from 
whence  he  had  a  full  view  of  our  position.  He  manouvred  during 
the  morning,  towards  our  left,  as  if  with  the  intention  of  making 


429 

a  circuitous  march  and  coming  down  on  the  Harford  or  York 
roads.     Generals  Winder  and   Strieker  were  ordered  to  adapt 
their  movements  to  those  of  the  enemy,  so  as  to  baffle  this  sup 
posed  intention.     They  executed  this  order  with  great  skill  and 
judgment,  by  taking  an  advantageous  position,  stretching  from 
in;,  left  across  the  country,  when  the  enemy  was  likely  to  approach 
the  quarter  he  seemed  to  threaten.     This  movement  induced  the 
enemy  to  concentrate  his  forces  (between  one  and  two  o'clock) 
in  my  front,  pushing  his  advance  to  within  a  mile  of  us,  driving 
in  our  videttes,  and   showing  an   intention  of  attacking  us  that 
evening.     I   immediately  drew   generals  Winder  and   Strieker 
nearer  to  the  left  of  my  entrenchments  and  to  the  right  of  the 
enemy,  with  the  intention  of  their  falling  on  his  right  or  rear, 
should  he  attack  me ;  or,  if  he  declined  it,  of  attacking  him  in 
the  morning.     To  this  movement,  and  to  the  strength  of  my  de 
fences,  which  the  enemy  had  the  fairest  opportunity  of  observing, 
I  am  induced  to  attribute  his  retreat,  which  was   commenced  at 
half  past  one  o'clock  on  Wednesday  morning.     In  this  he  was  so 
favoured  by  the  extreme  darkness  and  a  continued    rain,  that  we 
did  not  discover  it  until  day-light.     I  consented  to  general  Win 
der's     pursuing   with    the    Virginia    brigade    and    the    United 
States'  dragoons ;  at  the  same  time,  major  Randal  was  despatched 
with  his  light  corps,  in   pursuit  of  the  enemy's  right,  whilst  the 
whole  of  the  militia  cavalry  was  put  in  motion  for  the  same  object. 
AH  the  troops  were,  however,  so  worn  out  with  continued  watch 
ing,  and  with  being  under  arms  three  days  arid  nights,  exposed 
the  greater  part  of  the  time  to  very  inclement  weather,  that  it. 
was  found  impracticable  to  do  any  thing  more  than  pick  up  a  few 
stragglers.     The  enemy  commenced  his  embarkation  that  even 
ing,  and  completed  it  the  next  day  at  one  o'clock.     It  would  have 
been  impossible,  even  had  our  troops  been  in  a  condition  to  act 
offensively,  to  have  cut  off  any  part  of  the  enemy's  rear  guard 
during  the  embarkation,   as  the  point  where  it  was   effected  wa^ 
defended  from  our  approach,  by  a  line  of  defences  extending  from 
Back  river  to  Humphrey's  creek,  on  the  Patapsco,  thrown  up  by 
ourselves  previous  to  their  arrival. 

I  have  now  the  pleasure  of  calling  your  attention  to  the  brave 
commander  of  Fort  M'Henry,  major  Armistead,  and  to  the  ope 
rations  confined  to  that  quarter.  The  enemy  made  his  approach 
by  water,  at  the  same  time  that  his  army  was  advancing  on  the 
land,  and  commenced  a  discharge  of  bombs  and  rockets  at  the  fort 
as  soon  as  he  got  within  range  of  it.  The  situation  of  major 
Armistead  was  peculiarly  trying*  The  enemy  having  taken  a 
position  at  such  a  distance  as  to  render  offensive  operations  on 
the  part  of  the  fort  entirely  fruitless,  whilst  their  bombs  and  rock- 
ets  were  every  moment  falling  in  and  about  it ;  the  officers  and 
men  being  at  the  same  time  entirely  exposed.  The  vessels, 
however,  had  the  temerity  to  approach  somewhat  nearer ;  they 
as  soon  compelled  to  withdraw.  During  the  night,  whilst 


480 

the  enemy  on  land  was  retreating,  and  whilst  the  bombardment 
was  most  severe,  two  or  three  rocket  vessels  and  barges  succeeded 
in  getting  up  the  ferry  branch ;  but  they  were  soon  compelled  to 
retire  by  the  forts  in  that  quarter,  commanded  by  lieutenant 
Newcomb,  of  the  navy,  and  lieutenant,  Webster,  of  the  flotilla. 
These  forts  also  destroyed  one  of  the  barges  with  all  on  board. 
The  barges  and  battery  at  the  lazaretto,  under  the  command  of 
lieutenant  Rutter,  of  the  flotilla,  kept  up  a  brisk,  and  is  believed, 
a  successful  fire  during  the  hottest  period  of  the  bombardment* 
.Major  Armistead  being  seriously  ill,  in  consequence  of  his  con 
tinued  exposure  to  the  weather,  has  rendered  it  impossible  for 
him  to  send  in  his  report.  It  is  not,  therefore,  in  my  power  to 
do  justice  to  those  gallant  individuals  who  partook  with  the  danger 
of  a  tremendous  bombardment,  without  the  ability  of  retorting, 
and  without  that  security,  which,  in  more  regular  fortifications,  is 
provided  for  such  occasions.  Our  loss  in  the  fort  is,  I  understand, 
about  27  killed  and  wounded ;  amongst  the  former,  I  have  to  la 
ment  the  fall  of  lieutenants  Clagget  and  Clemm,  who  were  both 
estimable  citizens  and  useful  officers. 

From  general  Strieker's  brigade,  the  return  of  the  killed  and 
wounded  has  not  yet  come  in.  It  is  supposed,  however,  to  amount 
to  about  150;  among  the  former,  this  city  has  to  regret  the  loss 
of  its  representative  in  the  state  legislature,  James  L.  Donaldson, 
esq.  adjutant  of  the  27th  regiment.  This  gentleman  will  ever 
be  remembered  by  his  constituents  for  his  zeal  and  talents,  and 
by  his  corps  for  his  bravery  and  military  knowledge. 

*  I  cannot  conclude  this  report,  without  informing  you  of  the 

.great  aid  I  have  derived  from  commodore  Rodgers.     He  was  ever 

j.re^ent  and  ready  to  afford  his  useful  counsel,  and  to  render  his 

important  services.     His  presence,  with  that  of  his  gallant  officers 

and  seamen,  gave  confidence  to  every  one. 

The  enemy's  loss  in  his  attempt  on  Baltimore,  amounts,  as  near 
as  we  can  ascertain  it,  to  between  6  and  700  killed,  wounded  and 
missing.  General  Ross  was  certainly  killed. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

S.  SMITH,  Maj.  Gen.  Camdg. 
Col.  James  Monroe, 

acting-  Secretary  of  War. 

HEAD  QUARTERS,  FORT  ERIE,  September  20lh,  1814, 

blR, 

Among  the  officers  lost  to  this  army  at  the  battle  of  Niagara 
falls,  was  my  aid-de-camp,  captain  Ambrose  Spencer,  who,  being 
mortally  wounded,  was  left  in  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  By  flags 
from  the  British  army,  I  was  shortly  afterwards  assured  of  his 
convalescence,  and  an  offer  was  maue  me  by  lieutenant  general 
Druimnond  to  exchange  him  for  his  own  aid,  captain  Loring,  then 
a  prisoner  of  war  with  us,  However  singular  this  proposition 


4S1 

appeared,  as  captain  Loring  was  not  wounded,  nor  had  received 
the  slightest  injury,  T  was  willing  to  comply  with  it  on  captain 
Spencer's  account ;  but  as  I  knew  his  wounds  were  severe,  I 
first  sent  to  ascertain  the  fact  of  his  being  then  living.  My  mes 
senger,  with  a  flag,  was  detained,  nor  even  once  permitted  to  see 
captain  Spencer,  though  in  his  immediate  vicinity.  The  evidence 
I  wished  to  acquire  failed,  but  my  regard  for  captain  Spencer 
would  not  permit  me  longer  to  delay,  and  I  informed  general 
Drummond  that  his  aid  should  be  exchanged  even  for  the  body  of 
mine.  This  offer  was  no  doubt  gladly  accepted,  and  the  corpse  of 
captain  Spencer  sent  to  the  American  shore. 

Indignant  as  I  am  at  this  ungenerous  procedure,  I  yet  hold 
myself  bound  in  honour  to  lieutenant  general  Drummond  to  re 
turn  captain  Loring  ;  and  must  therefore  earnestly  solicit  of  you 
his  immediate  release.  He  can  return  to  lieutenant  general 
Drummond  by  the  way  of  Montreal. 

Very  respectfully,  &c. 

JACOB  'BROWN. 
Hon.  James  Monrnr. 


PRESIDENT'S  MESSAGE  TO  CONGRESS. 

Fellow  citizens  of  the  Senate 

and  of  the  House  of  Representatives  : 

Notwithstanding  the  early  day  which  had  been  fixed  for 
your  session  of  the  present  year,  I  was  induced  to  call  you  to 
gether  sooner,  as  well  that  any  inadequacy  in  the  existing  provi 
sions  for  the  wants  of  the  Treasury  might  be  supplied,  as  that  no 
delay  might  happen  in  providing  for  the  result  of  the  negotiation* 
on  foot  with  Great  Britain,  whether  it  should  require  arrangements 
adapted  to  a  return  of  peace,  or  further  and  more  effective  provi 
sions  for  prosecuting  the  war. 

The  result  is  not  yet  known.  If,  on  one  hand,  the  repeal  of  the 
orders  in  council,  and  the  general  pacification  in  Europe,  which 
withdrew  the  occasion  on  which  impressments  from  American 
vessels  were  practised,  suggest  expectations  that  peace  and  amity 
may  be  re-established,  we  are  compelled,  on  the  other  hand,  by 
the  refusal  of  the  British  government  to  accept  the  offered  medi 
ation  of  the  Emperor  of  Russia;  by  the  delays  in  giving  effect  to 
its  own  proposal  of  a  direct  negotiation  ;  and,  above  all,  by  the 
principles  and  manner  in  which  the  war  is  now  avowedly  carried 
on,  to  infer  that  a  spirit  of  hostility  is  indulged  more  violent  than 
ever  against  the  rights  and  prosperity  of  this  country. 

This  increased  violence  is  best  explained  by  the  two  important 
circumstances,  that  the  great  contest  in  Europe  for  an  equilibrium 
guaranteeing  all  its  estates  against  the  ambition  of  any,  has  been 
closed  without  any  check  on  the  overbearing  power  of  GnratBri4 


tain  on  the  ocean;  and  it  has  left  in  her  hands  disposable  arma 
ments  with  which,  forgetting  the  difficulties  of  a  remote  war  with 
a  free  people,  and  yielding  to  the  intoxication  of  success,  with 
the  example  of  a  great  victim  to  it  before  her  eyes,  she  cherishes 
hopes  of  still  further  aggrandizing  a  power  already  formidable  in 
its  abuses  to  the  tranquillity  of  the  civilized  and  commercial  world* 

But,  whatever  may  have  inspired  the  enemy  with  these  more 
violent  purposes,  the  public  councils  of  a  nation,  more  able  to 
maintain  than  it  was  to  acquire  its  independence,  and  with  a  de 
votion  to  it  rendered  more  ardent  by  the  experience  of  its  bles 
sings,  can  never  deliberate  but  on  the  means  most  effectual  for 
defeating  the  extravagant  views  or  unwarrantable  passions  with 
which  alone  the  war  can  now  be  pursued  against  us. 

In  the  events  of  the  present  campaign,  the  enemy,  with  all  his 
augmented  means,  and  wanton  use  of  them,  has  little  ground  for 
exultation,  unless  he  can  feel  it  in  the  success  of  his  recent  en- 
terprizes  against  this  metropolis  and  the  neighbouring  town  of 
Alexandria,  from  both  of  which  his  retreats  were  as  precipitate 
as  his  attempts  were  bold  and  fortunate.  In  his  other  incursions 
on  our  Atlantic  frontier,  his  progress  often  checked  and  chastised 
by  the  martial  spirit  of  the  neighboring  citizens,  has  had  more 
effect  in  distressing  individuals,  and  in  dishonoring  liis  arms,  than, 
in  promoting  any  object  of  legitimate  warfare.  And,  in  the  two 
instances  mentioned,  however  deeply  to  be  regretted  on  our  part, 
he  will  find  in  his  transient  success,  which  interrupted  for  a 
moment  only  the  ordinary  public  business  at  the  seat  of  govern 
ment,  no  compensation  for  the  loss  of  character  with  the  world, 
by  his  violations  of  private  property,  and  by  his  destruction  of  pub 
lic  edifices,  protected,  as  monuments  of  the  arts,  by  the  laws  of 
civilized  warfare. 

On  our  side,  we  can  appeal  to  a  series  of  achievements  which 
have  given  new  lustre  to  the  American  arms.  Besides  the  bril 
liant  incidents  in  the  minor  operations  of  the  campaign,  the 
splendid  victories  gained  on  the  Canadian  side  of  the  Niagara,  by 
the  American  forces  under  major  general  Brown,  and  brigadiers 
Scott  and  Gaines,  have  gained  for  those  heroes,  and  their  emula 
ting  companions,  the  most  unfading  laurels;  and,  having  trium 
phantly  tested  the  progressive  discipline  of  the  American  soldiery, 
nave  taught  the  enemy  that  the  longer  he  protracts  his  hostile  ef 
forts,  the  more  certain  and  decisive  will  be  his  final  discomfiture. 

On  our  southern  border,  victory  has  continued  also  to  follow  the 
American  standard.  The  bold  and  skilful  operations  of  major 
general  Jackson,  conducting  troops  drawn  from  the  militia  of  the 
states  least  distant,  particularly  of  Tennessee,  have  subdued 
the  principal  tribes  of  hostile  savages,  and,  by  establishing  a 
peace  with  them,  preceded  by  recent  and  exemplary  chastisement, 
nas  best  guarded  against  the  mischief  of  their  co-operation  with 
the  British  enterprizes  which  may  be  planned  against  that  quarter 
of  our  country.  Important  tribes  of  Indians  on  our  northwestern 


433 

frontier  have  also  acceded  to  stipulations  which  bind  tnem  to 
the  interests  of  the  United  States,  and  to  consider  our  enemy 
as  theirs  also. 

In  the  recent  attempt  of  the  enemy  on  the  city  of  Baltimore, 
defended  by  militia  and  volunteers,  aided  by  a  small  body  of  re 
gulars  and  seamen,  he  was  received  with  a  spirit  which  produced 
a  rapid  retreat  to  his  ships ;  whilst  a  concurrent  attack  by  a  large 
fleet  was  successfully  resisted  by  the  steady  and  well  directed 
fire  of  the  fort  and  batteries  opposed  to  it. 

In  another  recent  attack  by  a  powerful  force  on  our  troops  at 
Plattsburgh,  of  which  regulars  made  a  part  only,  the  enemy,  after 
a  perseverance  for  many  hours,  was  finally  compelled  to  seek 
safety  in  a  hasty  retreat,5  with  our  gallant  bands  pressing  upon 
him. 

On  the  lakes,  so  much  contested  throughout  the  war,  the  great 
exertions  for  the  command  made  on  our  part,  have  been  well  re 
paid.  On  lake  Ontario  our  squadron  is  now,  and  has  been  for 
some  time,  in  a  condition  to  confine  that  of  the  enemy  to  his  own 
port ;  and  to  favour  the  operations  of  our  land  forces  on  that 
frontier. 

A  part  of  the  squadron  on  lake  Erie  has  been  extended  into 
lake  Huron,  and  has  produced  the  advantage  of  displaying  our 
command  on  that  lake  also.  One  object  of  the  expedition  was 
the  reduction  of  Mackinaw,  which  failed,  with  the  loss  of  a  few 
brave  men,  among  whom  was  an  officer  justly  distinguished  for 
his  gallant  exploits.  The  expedition,  ably  conducted  by  both  the 
land  and  naval  commanders,  was  otherwise  highly  valuable  in  its 
effects. 

On  lake  Champlain,  where  our  superiority  had  for  some  time 
been  undisputed,  the  British  squadron  lately  came  into  action  with 
the  American,  commanded  by  captain  Macdonough.  It  issued  in 
the  capture  of  the  whole  of  the  enemy's  ships.  The  best  praise 
for  this  officer,  and  his  intrepid  comrades,  is  in  the  likeness  of  his 
triumph  to  the  illustrious  victory  which  immortalized  another 
officer,  and  established,  at  a  critical  moment,  our  command  of  an 
other  lake. 

On  the  ocean,  the  pride  of  our  naval  arms  has  been  amply  sup 
ported.  A  second  frigate,  indeed,  has  fallen  into  the  hands  of 
the  enemy,  but  the  loss  is  hidden  in  the  blaze  of  heroism  with, 
which  she  was  defended.  Captain  Porter,  who  commanded  her, 
and  whose  previous  career  had  been  distinguished  by  daring  en- 
terprize  and  by  fertility  of  genius,  maintained  a  sanguinary 
contest  against  two  ships,  one  of  them  superior  to  his  own,  and 
under  other  severe  disadvantages,  till  humanity  tore  down  the  co~ 
lours  which  valor  had  nailed  to  the  mast.  This  officer  and  his 
brave  comrades,  have  added  much  to  the  rising  glory  of  the  Ameri* 
c an  flag,  and  have  merited  all  the  effusions  of  gratitude  which  their 
country  is  ever  ready  to  bestow  on  tV  champion?  of  its  rights 
and  of  it*  safety. 


434 

Two  smaller  vessels  of  war  have  also  become  prizes  to  the 
enerny  \  but  by  a  superiority  offeree  which  sufficiently  vindicates 
•the  reputation  of  their  commanders  ;  whilst  two  others,  one  com 
manded  by  captain  Warrington,  the  other  by  captain  Blakely> 
have  captured  British  ships  of  the  same  class,  with  a  gallantry 
and  good  conduct  which  entitle  them  and  their  companions  to  a 
just  share  in  the  praise  of  their  country. 

In  spite  of  the  naval  force  of  the  enemy  accumulated  on  our 
coasts,  our  private  cruizers  have  also  not  ceased  to  annoy  his 
Commerce,  and  to  bring  their  rich  prizes  into  our  ports;  contri 
buting  thus,  with  other  proofs,  to  demonstrate  the  incompetency 
and  illegality  of  a  blockade,  the  proclamation  of  which  is  made 
the  pretext  for  vexing  and  discouraging  the  commerce  of  neutral 
powers  with  the  United  States. 

To  meet  the  extended  and  diversified  warfare  adopted  by  the 
enemy,  great  bodies  of  militia  have  been  taken  into  service  for  the 
public  defence,  and  great  expenses  incurred.  That  the  defence 
every  where  may  be  both  more  convenient  and  more  economical. 
Congress  will  see  the  necessity  of  immediate  measures  for  filling 
the  ranks  of  the  regular  army,  and  of  enlarging  the  provision  for 
special  corns,  mounted  and  unmounted,  to  be  engaged  for  longer 
periods  of  service  than  are  due  from  the  militia.  I  earnestly  re 
new,  at  the  same  time,  a  recommendation  of  such  changes  in  the 
system  of  the  militia,  as,  by  classing  and  disciplining,  for  the 
most  prompt  and  active  service,  the  portions  most  capable  of  it, 
will  give  to  that  great  resource  for  the  public  safety,  all  the  re* 
quisite  energy  and  efficiency. 

The  monies  received  into  the  Treasury  during  the  nine  months 
ending  on  the  30th  day  of  June  last,  amounted  to  thirty-two  mil 
lions  of  dollars,  of  which,  near  eleven  millions  were  the  proceeds 
of  the  public  revenue,  and  the  remainder  derived  from  loans. 
The  disbursements  for  public  expenditures  during  the  same  pe 
riod,  exceeded  thirty-four  millions  of  dollars.  The  demands  dur 
ing  the  remainder  of  the  present  year,  already  authorized  by  Con 
gress,  and  the  expenses  incident  to  an  extension  of  the  operations 
of  the  war,  will  render  it  necessary  that  large  sums  should  be 
provided  to  meet  them. 

From  this  view  of  the  national  affairs,  Congress  will  be  urged 
to  take  up,  without  delay,  as  well  the  subject  of  pecuniary  sup 
plies,  as  that  of  military  force,  and  on  a  scale  commensurate  with 
the  extent  and  the  character  which  the  war  has  assumed.  It  is  not 
to  be  disguised  that  the  situation  of  our  country  calls  for  its 
greatest  efforts.  Our  enemy  is  powerful  in  men  and  in  money,  on 
the  land  and  on  the  water.  Availing  himself  of  fortuitous  ad 
vantages,  he  is  aiming,  with  his  undivided  force,  a  deadly  blow 
at  our  growing  prosperity,  perhaps  at  our  national  existence.  He 
has  avowed  his  purpose  "of  trampling  on  the  usages  of  civilized 
warfare,  and  given  earnests  of  it  in  the  plunder  and  wanton  des 
truction  of  private  property,  In  his  pride  of  maritime  dominion, 


435 

and,  in  his  thirst  of  commercial  monopoly,  he  strikes  with 
liar  animosity  at  the  progress  of  our  navigation  and  of  our  man 
ufactures.  His  barbarous  policy  has  not  even  spared  those  monu 
ments  of  the  arts  and  models  of  taste  with  which  our  country  had 
enriched  and  embellished  its  infant  metropolis.  From  such  an 
adversary,  hostility,  in  its  greatest  force  and  in  its  worst  forms, 
may  be  looked  for.  The  American  people  will  face  it  with  the 
undaunted  spirit  which,  in  their  revolutionary  struggle,  defeated 
his  unrighteous  projects.  His  threats  and  his  barbarities,  instead 
of  dismay,  will  kindle  in  every  bosom  an  indignation  not  to  be 
extinguished  but  in  the  disaster  and  expulsion  of  such  cruel  inva 
ders.  In  providing  the  means  necessary,  the  national  legislature 
will  not  distrust  the  heroic  and  enlightened  patriotism  of  its  con 
stituents.  They  will  cheerfully  and  proudly  bear  every  burden 
of  every  kind  which  the  safety  and  honour  of  the  nation  demand. 
We  have  seen  them  every  where  paying  their  taxes,  direct  and 
indirect,  with  the  greatest  promptness  and  alacrity.  We  see  t|ien& 
rushing  with  enthusiasm  to  the  scenes  where  danger  and  duty 
call.  In  offering  their  blood,  they  give  the  surest* pledge  that  n« 
other  tribute  will  be  withheld. 

Having  forborne  to  declare  war  until  to  other  aggressions  had 
been  added  the  capture  of  nearly  a  thousand  American  yesselsv 
and  the  imprisonment  of  thousands  of  American  seafaring  citi 
zens,  and  until  a  final  declaration  had  been  made  by  the  govern 
ment  of  Great  Britain,  that  her  hostile  orders  against  our  com 
merce  would  not  be  revoked,  but  on  conditions  as  impossible  as 
unjust ;  whilst  it  was  known  that  these  orders  would  not  otherwise 
cease,  but  with  a  war  which  had  lasted  nearly  twenty  years,  and 
which,  according  to  appearances  at  that  time,  might  last  as  many 
more ;  having  manifested,  on  every  occasion,  and  in  every  pro 
per  mode,  a  sincere  desire  to  arrest  the  effusion  of  blood,  and 
met  our  enemy  on  the  ground  of  justice  and  reconciliation,  our 
beloved  country,  in  still  opposing  to  his  persevering  hostility  all 
its  energies,  with  an  undiminished  disposition  towards  peace  and 
friendship  on  honourable  terms,  must  carry  with  it  the  good 
wishes  01  the  impartial  world,  and  the  best  hopes  of  support  from 
an  omnipotent  and  kind  Providence. 

JAMES  MADISON, 
Washington,  September  20th,  1814, 


FORT  ERIE,  September  220,  1814, 
SIR, 

In  executing  the  duty  you  have  imposed  on  me,  of  reporting 
the  conduct  of  the  officers  and  men  composing  the  left  column, 
which  you  was  pleased  to  place  under  my  command,  in  the  sortie 
of  the  17th  instant,  the  pleasure  I  derive  in  representing  to  you  the 
admirable  conduct  of  the  whole,  is  deeply  chastened  by  sorrow 
for  the  loss  cf  manv  brave  and  distinguished  men, 


43$ 

I,  from  the  nature  of  the  ground,  to  act  on  foot,  r? 
Was  impossible  that  my  own  personal  observation  should  reach  to 
every  officer.  Some  part  of  this  report  must  therefore  rest  upon 
the  information  of  others. 

It  is  the  busines^  of  this  communication  to  speak  of  the  con 
duct  of  individuals  ;  yet  you  will  permit  me  to  premise,  although 
well  known  to  yourself  already,  that  the  object  of  the  left  column 
was  to  penetrate,  by  a  circuitous  route,  between  the  enemy's  bat 
teries,  where  one-third  of  his  force  was  always  kept  on  duty,  and 
his  main  camp,  and  that  it  was  subdivided  into  three  divisions — 
the  advance  of  200  riflemen,  and  a  few  Indians,  commanded  by 
colonel  Gibson,  and  two  columns  moving  parallel  to,  and  30  yards 
distant  from,  each  other.  The  right  column  was  commanded  by- 
lieutenant  colonel  Wood,  headed  by  400  infantry,  under  major 
Brook,  of  the  23d,  and  followed  by  500  volunteers  and  militia, 
being  parts  of  lieutenant  colonels"  Dobbin's,  M'Burney's  and 
Fleming's  regiments,  and  was  intended  to  attack  the  batteries* 

The  left  column  of  500  militia,  was  commanded  by  brigadier 
general  Davis,  and  comprised  the  commands  of  lieutenant  colo 
nels  Hopkins,  Churchhill  and  Crosby,  and  was  intended  to  hold 
in  check  any  reinforcements  from  the  enemy's  camp ;  or  both 
columns  (circumstances  requiring  it,  which  frequently  happened) 
to  co-operate  in  the  same  object. 

After  carrying  by  storm,  in  the  handsomest  style,  a  strong 
block  house,  in  rear  of  the  third  battery,  making  its  garrison  pri 
soners,  destroying  the  three  24  pounders  and  their  carriages  in 
the  third  battery,  and  blowing  up  the  enemy's  magazine,  and 
after  co-operating  with  general  Miller  in  taking  the  second  bat 
tery,  the  gallant  leaders  of  the  three  divisions  all  fell  nearly  at 
the  same  time  ;  colonel  Gibson,  at  the  second  battery,  and  general 
Davis  and  lieutenant  colonel  Wood  in  an  assualt  upon  the 
first. 

Brigadier  general  Davis,  although  a  militia  officer  of  little  ex 
perience,  conducted  on  this  occasion  with  all  the  coolness  and 
bravery  of  a  veteran,  and  fell  while  advancing  upon  the  enemy's 
entrenchments.  His  loss  as  a  citizen  as  well  as  a  soldier,  will  be 
severely  felt  in  the  patriotic  county  of  Genessee.  Colonel  Gibson 
fully  sustained  the  high  military  reputation,  which  he  had  before 
so  justly  acquired.  You  know  how  exalted  an  opinion  I  have 
always  entertained  of  lieutenart  colonel  Wood  of  the  engineers. 
His  conduct  on  this  day  was  what  it  uniformly  has  been,  on 
every  similar  occasion,  on  an  exhibition  of  military  skill,  acute 
judgment,  and  heroic  valor.  Of  the  other  regular  officers, 
lieutenant  colonel  M'Donald  and  major  Brook,  senior  in  com 
mand,  will  report  to  you  in  relation  to  their  respective  divisions. 
Permit  me,  however,  to  say  of  these  two  officers,  that,  much  as 
was  left  to  them  by  the  fall  of  their  distinguished  leaders,  they 
were  able  to  sustain  their  parts  in  the  most  admirable  manneiv- 
and  they  richly  deserve  the  notice  of  the  government. 


43? 

Of  the  militia,  I  regret  that  the  limits  of  a  report  will  not  per 
mit  me  even  to  name  all  of  those,  who  on  this  occasion  established 
clriims  to  the  gratitude  of  their  fellow  citizens ;  much  less  to  par 
ticularize  individual  merit.  'Lieutenant  colonels  Hopkins,  M'Bur- 
ney,  Churchhill  and  Crosby,  and  majors  Lee,  Marcle,  Wilson, 
Lawrence,  Burr,  Dunham,  Kellogg,  and  Gansnn,  are  entitled  to 
the  highest  praise  for  their  gallant  conduct,  their  steady  and  per 
severing  exertions."  'Lieutenant  colonel  Dobbin  being  prevented 
by  severe  indisposition  from  taking  the  field,  major  Hall,  assistant 
inspector  general,  volunteered  his  services  to  join  major  Lee  in 
the  command  of  the  volunteer  regiment ;  and  major  Lee  and 
every  other  officer  speaks  in  the  highest  terms  of  the  gallant  and 
good  conduct  of  this  young  officer. 

Captain  Fleming,  who  commanded  the  Indians,  was,  as  he  always 
is,  in  the  front  of  the  battle.  There  is  riot  a  more  intrepid  soldier 
in  the  army.  I  should  be  ungrateful  were  I  to  omit  the  names  of 
captains  Knapp  and  Hull  of  the  volunteers,  and  captain  Parker 
and  lieutenant  Chatfield  of  the  militia,  by  whose  intrepidity  I 
was,  during  the  action,  extricated  from  the  most  unpleasant  situa 
tion.  Captains  Richardson,  Buel  and  Kennedy, lieutenants  Park* 
hurst  and  Brown,  and  adjutants  Dobbin,  Bates  and  Robinson, 
particularly  distinguished  themselves.  The  patriotic  conduct  of 
captain  Elliot,  with  twenty  young  gentlemen,  who  volunteered 
from  Batavia,  and,  of  major  Hubbard  with  fourteen  men,  exempt 
ed  by  age  from  military  duty,  should  not  be  omitted.  They  were 
conspicuous  during  the  action. 

You  will  excuse  me  if  I  shall  seem  partial  in  speaking  of  my 
own  family,  consisting  of  my  brigade  major  Frazer,  my  volunteer 
aid-de-camp  Riddle,  (both  first  lieutenants  in  the  15th  infantry) 
captain  Bigger  of  the  Canadian  volunteers,  Messrs.  Williams  and 
Delapierre,  volunteer  aids  for  the  day,  all  of  whom,  except  Mr. 
Williams,  were  wounded. 

Lieutenants  Frazer  and  Riddle  were  engaged  for  most  of  the 
preceding  day  with  fatigue  parties,  cutting  roads  for  the  advance 
of  the  column  through  the  swamp,  and  falling  timber  to  the  rear, 
and  within  150  yards  of  the  enemy's  right :  which  service  they 
executed  with  so  much  address  as  to  avoid  discovery  ;  and  on  the 
succeeding  day  they  conducted  the  two  columns  to  the  attack. 
Frazer  was  severely  wounded  by  a  musket  ball  while  spiking  a 
gun  on  the  second  battery.  Riddle,  after  the  first  battery  was 
carried,  descended  into  the  enemy's  magazine,  and  after  securing 
(with  the  assistance  of  quarter  master  Greene  of  the  volunteers, 
whose  good  conduct  deserves  much  praise)  a  quantity  of  fixed  am 
munition,  blew  up  the  magazine  and  suffered  severely  by  the  explo 
sion.  I  must  solicit,  through  you,  sir,  the  attention  of  the  general 
government  to  these  meritorious  young  men.  Captain  Bigger  is 
an  excellent  officer,  and  rendered  me  much  assistance,  but  was 
dangerously  wounded.  The  other  young  gentlemen  are  citizens. 
and  deserve  much  credit  for  their  activity,  and  for  having  volimta- 


433 

tfily  encountered  danger.    My  aid-de-camp,  major  Dox,  Was  oan»~ 
fined  at  Buffalo  by  sickness. 

On  the  whole,  sir,  I  can  say  of  the  regular  troops  attached  to  the- 
left  column,  of  the  veteran  volunteers  of  lieutenant  colonel  Dob 
bin's  regiment,  that  every  man  did  his  duty,  and  their  conduct  on 
this  occasion  reflects  a  new  lustre  on  their  former  brilliant 
achievements.  To  the  militia,  the  compliment  is  justly  due,  and 
I  could  pay  them  no  greater  one,  than  to  say,  that  they  were  not 
surpassed  Dy  the  heroes  of  Chippewa  and  Niagara  in  steadiness, 
and  bravery. 

The  studied  intricacy  of  the  enemy's  defences,  consisting  not 
only  of  the  breast-work  connecting  their  batteries,  but  of  suc 
cessive  lines  of  entrenchments  for  a  hundred  yards  in  the  rear, 
covering  the  batteries  and  enfilading  each  other,  and  the  whole 
obstructed  by  abattis,  brush  and  felled  timber,  was  calculated  to 
produce  confusion  among  the  assailants,  and  led  to  several  con 
tests  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet.  But  by  our  double  columns  and 
temporary  irregularity  in  the  one,  was  always  corrected  by  the 
other.  Our  success  would  probably  have  been  more  complete,  but 
for  the  rain  which  unfortunately  set  in  soon  after  we  commenced 
our  march,  which  rendered  the  fire  of  many  of  our  muskets  use- 
Jess,  and  by  obscuring  the  sun,  led  to  several  unlucky  mistakes. 
As  an  instance  of  this,  a  body  of  50  prisoners  who  had  surren 
dered,  were  ordered  to  the  fort  in  charge  of  a  subaltern  and  14 
volunteers ;  the  officer  mistaking  the  direction,  conducted  them  to 
wards  the  British  camp  in  the  route  by  which  we  had  advanced, 
and  they  were  re-taken  with  the  whole  of  the  guard,  excepting 
the  officer  and  one  man,  who  fought  their  way  back.  Several  of  our 
stragglers  were  made  prisoners  by  the  same  mistake.  But,  sir, 
notwithstanding  these  accidents,  we  have  reason  to  rejoice  at  our 
signal  success,  in  inflicting  a  vastly  disproportionate  injury  on  the 
enemy,  and  in  wholly  defeating  all  his  plans  of  operation  against 
this  army. 

T  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

P.  B.  PORTER, 

Brig,  Gen.  comdg,  volunteers  and  militia* 
Major  General  Brown,  Commanding1,  £c. 

Names  and  rank  of  the  officers  killed,  wounded,  and  missing. 

Killed — lieutenant  colonel  E.  D.Wood,  captain  and  brevet  lieu^ 
tenant  colonel  of  engineers;  captain  L.  Bradford,  21st  infantry; 
captain  H.  Hale,  llth  infantry  ;  captain  L,  G,  A.  Armstead,  1st 
riflemen. 

Wounded — Staff,  brigadier  general  Ripley,  2d  brigade,  dange 
rously,  shot  through  the  neck  ;  1st  lieutenant  Crawford,  llth  in 
fantry  ;  brigade  major  1st  brigade,  slightly,  shot  in  the  arm  ;  9th 
infantry,  lieutenat  colonel  Aspinwall,  severly,  left  arm  ampu 
tated  ;  captain  Ingersol,  slightly,  in  the  head  ;  1st  lieutenant  E 
,  severely, bayonet  woimd  through  the  thigh  1 1th  infantry 


43J* 

1st  lieutenant  W.  F.  Hale,  dangerously,  shot  in  the  body ;  fid 
lieutenant  I.  Clarke,  severely  in  the  body  ;  3d  lieutenant  Steven 
son,  severely,  through  the  thigh  j  3d  lieutenant  Davis,  dangerous- 
Iv,  through  the  body  ;  19th  infantry,  major  Trimble,  dangerously, 
shot  through  the  body;  ensign  Neely,  slightly,  shot  in  the  thigh ;  21st 
infantry,  ensign  Cummings,  severely,  in  the  arm  ;  23d  infantry,  1  st 
lieutenant  Brown,  slightly,  in  the  arm ;  ensign  O'Fling,  mortally, 
since  dead ;  1st  riflemen,  captain  Ramsey,  severely,  in  the  groin ; 
3d  lieutenant  Cobb,  severely,  in  the  body ;  4th  riflemen,  colonel 
James  Gibson,  mortally,  since  dead  ;  1st  lieutenant  Grant,  severe 
wounds  in  the  arm  and  side 

Missing — 1st  lieutenant  Ballard,  adjutant  4th  riflemen,  pri- 
's<oner. 

OF  THE  MILITIA — killed — brigadier  general  Davis,  of  volunteer 
brigade;  captain  Buel,  of  lieutenant  colonel  Crosby's  regiment; 
lieutenant 'Brown,  of  lieutenant  colonel  M'Burney's  regiment; 
lieutenant  W.  Belknap,  of  lieutenant  colonel  Flemming's  regi 
ment;  ensign  Blakely,  of  lieutenant  colonel  M'Burney's  regi 
ment. 

Wounded — Staff,  major  general  P.  B.  Porter;  sword  wound  in 
the  hand;  1st  lieutenant  Frazer,  13th  infantry,  brigade  major* 
severely,  in  the  leg;  1st  lieutenant  Riddle,  15th infantry,  acting 
as  aid-de-camp,  slight  contusion  ;  captain  Bigger,  New  York  vo 
lunteers,  acting  aid,  severely  through  the  breast  and  shoulder; 
lieutenant  colonel  Dobbin's  regiment — captain  Knapp,  in  the  hip  ; 
lieutenant  Bailey,  in  the  side ;  lieutenant  colonel  M'Burney'§ 
regiment — captain  Hale,  wounded  and  prisoner;  lieutenant  co 
lonel  Hopkins'  regiment — lieutenant  Gillet,  through  the  thigh. 

Missing — lieutenant  colonel  W.  L.  Churchhill ;  major  E.  Wil 
son  ;  quarter  master  0.  Wilcox  ;  captain  Crouch  ;  captain  Case  ; 
lieutenant  Cas« ;  ensign  Chambers ;  ensign  Clark ;  ensign  Church, 
prisoners. 


FORT  M'HENRY,  September  54th,  1814. 

SIR, 

A  severe  indisposition,  the  effect  of  great  fatigue  and  eitpo- 
sure,  has  prevented  me  heretofore  from  presenting  you  with  an 
account  of  the  attack  on  this  post.  On  the  night  of  Saturday  the 
10th  instant,  the  British  fleet,  consisting  of  ships  of  the  line,  heavy 
frigates  and  bomb  vessels,  amounting  in  the  whole  to  30  sail,  ap 
peared  at  the  mouth  of  the  river  Patapsco,  with  every  indication 
of  an  attempt  upon  the  city  of  Baltimore.  My  own  force  con 
sisted  of  one  company  of  United  States'  aitillery,  under  captain 
Evans,  and  two  companies  of  sea-fencibles,  under  captains  Bun- 
bury  and  Addison.  Of  these  three  companies,  35  men  were  un 
fortunately  on  the  sick  list,  and  unfit  for  duty.  I  had  been  fur 
nished  with  two  companies  of  volunteer  artillery  from  the  city  of 
Baltimore  tinder  captain  Berry  and  lie-ntenant  commandant  Pen- 


440 

ningtonu  To  these  1  must  add  another  very  fine  company  of 
volunteer  artillerists,  under  judge  Nicholson,  who  had  proffered 
their  services  to  aid  in  the  defence  of  this  post  whenever  an  attack 
might  be  apprehended ;  and  also  a  detachment  from  commodore 
Barney's  flotilla,  under  lieutenant  Redman.  Brigadier  general 
Winder  had  also  furnished  me  with  about  600  infantry,  under  the 
command  of  lieutenant  colonel  Stewart  and  major  Lane,  consist 
ing  of  detachments  from  the  12th,  14th,  36th,  and  38th  regiments 
of  United  States'  troops — the  otal  amounting  to  about  1000 
effective  men. 

On  Monday  morning,  very  early,  it  was  perceived  that  the  ene 
my  was  landing  troops  on  the  east  side  of  the  Patapsco,  distance 
about  ten  miles.  During  that  day  and  the  ensuing  night,  he  had 
brought  sixteen  ships  (including  five  bomb  ships)  within  about 
two  miles  and  a  half  of  this  fort.  I  had  arranged  my  force  as 
follows: — the  regular  artillerists  under  captain  Evans,  and  the 
volunteers  under  captain  Nicholson,  manned  the  bastions  in  the 
Star  Fort.  Captains  Buribury's,  Addison's,  Rodman's,  Berry's., 
and  lieutenant  commandant  Pennington's  commands  were  sta 
tioned  on  the  lower  works,  and  the  infantry,  under  lieutenant  colo 
nel  Stewart  and  major  Lane,  were  in  the 'outer  ditch,  to  meet  the 
enemy  at  his  landing,  should  he  attempt  one. 

On  Tuesday  morning,  about  sun-rise,  the  enemy  commenced 
the  attack  from  his  five  bomb  vessels,  at  the  distance  of  about 
two  miles,  and  kept  up  an  incessant  and  well  directed  bombard 
ment.  We  immediately  opened  our  batteries,  and  kept  up  a  brisk 
fire  from  our  guns  and  mortars,  but  unfortunately  our  shot  and 
shells  all  fell  considerably  short  of  him.  This  was  to  me  a  most 
distressing  circumstance;  as  it  left  us  exposed  to  a  constant  and 
tremendous  shower  of  shells,  without  the  most  remote  possibility 
of  our  doing  him  the  slightest  injury.  It  affords  me  the  highest 
gratification  to  state,  that  though  we  were  left  thus  exposed,  and 
thus  inactive,  not  a  man  shrunk  from  the  conflict. 

About  two  o'clock  P.  M.  one  of  the  24  pounders  of  the  south 
west  bastion,  under  the  immediate  command  of  captain  Nichol 
son,  was  dismounted  by  a  shell,  the  explosion  from  which  killed 
his  second  lieutenant,  and  wounded  several  of  his  men;  the  bus 
tle  necessarily  produced  in  removing  the  wounded  and  replacing 
the  gun,  probably  induced  the  enemy  to  suspect  we  were  in  a 
State  of  confusion,  as  he  brought  in  three  of  his  bomb  ships,  to 
what  I  believed  to  be  good  striking  distance.  1  immediately  or 
dered  a  fire  to  be  opened,  which  was  obeved  with  alacrity  through 
the  whole  garrison,  and  in  half  an  hour  those  intruders  again  shel 
tered  themselves  by  withdrawing  beyond  our  reach.  We  gave 
three  cheers,  and  again  ceased  firing — The  enemy  continued 
throwing  shells,  with  one  or  two  slight  intermissions,  tili  one. 
o'clock  in  the  morning  of  Wednesday,  when  it  was  discovered 
that  he  had  availed  himself  of  the  darkness  of  the  night,  and  .had 
thrown  a  considerable  force  above  to  our  right;  they  had  approach 


141 

f;d  very  near  to  Fort  Covington,  when  they  began  to  throw 
rockets;  intended,  1  presume,  to  give  them  an  opportunity  ot 
examining  the  shores — as  I  have  since  understood,  they  had  de 
tached  1250  picked  men,  with  scaling  ladders,  for  the  purpose  of 
storming  this  fort.  We  once  more  had  an  opportunity  of  opening 
our  batteries,  and  kept  up  a  continued  blaze  for  nearly  two  hours, 
\vhich  had  the  effect  again  to  drive  them  off. 

Injustice  to  lieutenant  Newcomb,  of  the  United  States'  navy, 
who  commanded  at  fort  Covington,  with  a  detachment  of  sailors, 
and  lieutenant  Webster,  of  the  flotilla,  who  commanded  the  six 
gun  battery  near  that  fort,  I  ought  to  state,  that  during  this  time 
they  kept  up  an  animated,  and  I  believe,  a  very  destructive  fire,  to 
which  I  am  persuaded,  we  are  much  indebted  in  repulsing  the  en 
emy.  One  of  his  sunken  barges  has  since  been  found  with  two  dead 
men  in  it ;  others  have  been  seen  floating  in  the  river.  The  only 
means  we  had  of  directing  our  guns,  was  by  the  blaze  of  their  rock 
ets,  and  the  flashes  of  their  guns.  Hud  they  ventured  to  the  same 
situation  in  the  day  time,  not  a  man  would  have  escaped. 

The  bombardment  continued  on  the  part  of  the  enemy  until  7 
o'clock  on  Wednesday  morning,  when  it  ceased;  and  about  9, 
their  ships  got  under  weigh,  and  stood  down  the  river.  During 
the  bombardment,  which  lasted  25  hours  (with^two  slight  intermis 
sions)  from  the  best  calculation  I  can  make,  from  15  to  1800 
shells  were  thrown  by  the  enemy.  A  few  of  these  fell  short.  A 
large  proportion  burst  over  us,  throwing  their  fragments  among  us, 
and  threatening  destruction.  Many  passed  over,  and  about  400 
fell  within  the  works.  Two  of  the  public  buildings  are  materially 
injured,  the  others  but  slightly.  I  am  happy  to  inform  you  (won 
derful  as  it  may  appear)  that  our  loss  amounts  only  to  four  men 
killed,  and  24  wounded.  The  latter  will  all  recover.  Among 
the  killed,  I  have  to  lament  the  loss  of  lieutenant  Clagget,  and 
sergeant  Clemm,  both  of  captain  Nicholson's  volunteers;  two 
men  whose  fate  is  to  be  deplored,  not  only  for  their  personal  bra 
very,  but  for  their  high  standing,  amiable  demeanor,  and  spotless 
^integrity  in  private  life.  Lieutenant  Russel,  of  the  company  un 
der  lieutenant  Pennington,  received,  early  in  the  attack,  a  severe 
contusion  in  the  heal ;  notwithstanding  which  he  remained  at  his 
post  during  the  whole  bombardment. 

Were  I  to  name  any  individuals  who  signalized  themselves,  it 
would  be  doing  injustice  to  others.  Suffice  it  to  say,  that  every 
officer  and  soldier  under  my  command  did  their  duty  to  my  CD  tire 
satisfaction. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

G>  AltMlSTEAD,  Lt.  Col.  U.  &  4. 
The  Secretary  of  War. 

HEAD  QUARTERS,  CAMP  TORT  ERIE,  September  29th,  1814 

SIR, 

In  my  letter  of  the  18th  instant  I  briefly  informed  you  of  the 
fortunate  issue  of  the  sortie  which  took  place  the  day  preceding. 

56 


442 

But  it  is  due  to  the  gallant  officers  and  men,  to  whose  bravery  \v& 
are  indebted  for  our  success  on  this  occasion,  that  I  should  give 
you  a  more  circumstantial  and  detailed  account  of  this  affair. 

The  enemy's  camp  I  had  ascertained  to  be  situated 'in  a  field, 
surrounded  by  woods,  nearly  two  miles  distant  from  their  batteries 
and  entrenchments,  the  object  of  which  was  to  keep  the  parts  ol 
their  force  which  was  not  upon  duty,  out  of  the  range  of  our  ftre 
from  Fort  Erie  and  Black  Rock.  I'heir  infantry  was  formed  into 
three  brigades,  estimated  at  12  or  1500  men  each.  One  of  thes«- 
brigades,  with  a  detail  from  their  artillery,  was  stationed  at  their 
works,  (these  being  but  500  yards  distant  from  old  Fort  Erie,  and 
the  right  of  our  line.)  We  had  already  suffered  much  from  the 
fire  of  two  of  their  batteries,  and  were  aware  that  a  t&rd  was 
about  to  open  upon  us.  Under  these  circumstances,  I  resolved  to 
storm  the  batteries,  destroy  the  cannon,  and  roughly  handle  the 
brigade  upon  duty,  before  those  in  reserve  could  be  brought  into 
action. 

On  the  morning  of  the  17th,  the  infantry  and  riflemen,  regu 
lars  and  militia,  were  ordered  to  be  paraded  and  put  in  readiness 
to  march  precisely  at  12  o'clock.  General  Porter  with  the  volun 
teers,  colonel  Gibson  with  the  riflemen,  and  major  Brooks  with 
the  23d  and  21st  infantry,  and  a  few  dragoons  acting  as  infantry, 
were  ordered  to  move  from  the  extreme  left  of  our  position,  upon 
the  enemy's  right,  by  a  passage  opened  through  the  woods  for  the 
occasion.  General  Miller  was  directed  to  station  his  command 
in  the  ravine,  which  iiea  between  fort  Erie  and  the  enemy's  bat 
teries,  by  passing  them  by  detachments  through  the  skirts  of  the 
wood,  and  the  21st  infantry,  under  general  Ripley,  was  posted 
as  a  corps  of  reserve  between  the  new  bastions  of  fort  Erie :  all 
under  cover  and  out  of  the  view  of  the  enemy. 

About  20  minutes  before  3  P.  M.  I  found  the  left  columns,  un 
der  the  command  of  general  Porter,  which  were  destined  to  turn 
the  enemy's  right,  within  a  few  rods  of  the  British  entrenchments. 
They  were  ordered  to  advance  and  commence  the  action.  Pass 
ing  down  the  ravine,  I  judged  from  the  report  of  musketry,  that 
the  action  had  commenced  on  our  left ;  I  now  hastened  to  general 
Miller  and  directed  him  to  seize  the  moment  and  pierce  the  ene 
my's  entrenchments  between  batteries  No,  2  and  3.  My  orders 
were  promptly  and  ably  executed.  Within  30  minutes  after  the 
first  gun  was  fired,  batteries  No.  3  and  2,  the  enemy's  line  of  en 
trenchments,  and  his  two  block  houses,  were  in  our  possession. 
Soon  after,  battery  No.  I  was  abandoned  by  the  British.  The 
guns  in  each  were  spiked  by  us,  or  otherwise  destroyed,  and  the 
magazine  of  No.  3  was  blown  up. 

A  few  minutes  before  the  explosion,  I  had  ordered  up  the  re 
serve  under  general  Ripley.  As  he  passed  me  at  the  head  of  his 
column,  I  desired  him,  as  he  would  be  the  senior  in  advance,  to 
ascertain,  as  near  as  possible,  the  situation  of  the  troops  in  ge~ 


443 

serai,  and  to  have  a  care  that  not  more  was  hazarded  than  the; 
occasion  required;  that,  the  object  of  the  sortie  effected,  the 
troops  would  retire  in  good  order,  &c.  General  Ripley  passed 
rapidly  on;  soon  after,  I  became  alarmed  for  general  Miller,  and 
sent  an  order  for  the  21st  to  hasten  to  his  support  towards  battery 
No  1.  Colonel  Upham  received  the  order,  and  advanced  to  the 
aid  of  general  Miller.  General  Ripley  had  inclined  to  the  left, 
where  major  Brooks'  command  was  engaged,  with  a  view  of  mak 
ing  some  necessary  enquiries  of  that  officer,  and  in  the  act  of  do 
ing  so,  was  unfortunately  wounded.  By  this  time,  the  object  of 
the  sortie  was  accomplished  beyond  my  most  sanguine  expecta 
tions.  General  Miller  had  consequently  ordered  the  troops  on 
the  right  to  fall  back ;  observing  this  movement,  I  sent  my  staff 
along  the  line  to  call  in  the  other  corps.  Within  a  few  minutes 
they  retired  from  the  ravine,  and  from  thence  to  camp. 

Thus,  one  thousand  regulars  and  an  equal  portion  of  militia,  in 
one  hour  of  close  action,  blasted  the  hopes  of  the  enemy,  des 
troyed  the  fruits  of  fifty  days  labour,  and  diminised  his  effective 
force  1000  men  at  least.  I  am  at  a  loss  how  to  express  my 
satisfaction  at  the  gallant  conduct  of  the  officers  and  men  of  this 
division,  whose  valor  has  shone  superior  to  every  trial.  General 
Porter,  in  his  official  report  herein  inclosed,  has  very  properly  no 
ticed  those  patriotic  citizens  who  have  done  so  much  honour  to 
themselves,  by  freely  and  voluntarily  tendering  their  services  at 
a  dangerous  and  critical  period. 

As  the  scene  of  action  was  in  a  wood,  in  advance  of  the  posi 
tion  I  had  chosen  for  directing  the  movements  of  the  whole,  the 
several  reports  of  commandants  of  corps,  must  guide  me  in  no 
ticing  individuals. 

General  Miller  mentions  lieutenant  colonel  Aspmwall,  lieute* 
nant  colonel  Beedle,  major  Trimble,  captain  Hull,  captain  Inger- 
soil,  lieutenant  Crawford,  lieutenant  Lee,  and  particularly  ensign 
O'Fling,  as  entitled  to  distinction. 

Lieutenant  colonel  M'Donald,  upon  whom  the  command  of  the 
rifle  corps  devolved,  upon  the  fall  of  the  brave  and  generous 
Gibson,  names  adjutants  Shortridge  of  the  1st,  and  Ballard  of 
the  4th  regiments,  as  deserving  the  highest  applause  for  their 
promptness  and  gallantry  in  communicating  orders.  Of  the  other 
officers  of  the  corps,  he  reports  generally,  that  the  bravery  and 
good  conduct  of  all  was  so  conspicuous,  as  to  render  it  impossible 
to  discriminate. 

Major  Brooks,  to  whom  much  credit  is  due  for  the  distinguished 
manner  in  which  he  executed  the  orders  he  received,  speaks  in 
high  terms  of  lieutenants  Goodell,  Ingersoli,  Livingston,  and  en 
signs  Brant  and  O'Fling,  of  the  23d,  particularly  of  the  latter* 
Also  of  captain  Simms,  lieutenants  Bissel,  Shore,  and  Brinot,  of 
>.h«?  1st  infantry,  and  lieutenant,  Watts,  of  the  dragoons. 


444 

Lieutenant  colonel  Upbam,  who  took  command  of  the  reserve 
after  general  Ripley  was  disabled,  bestows  great  praise  upon  major 
Chambers,  of  the  4th  regiment  of  rifle ;nen,  attached  to  the  21st 
infantry,  as  also  upon  »  captain  Bradford  and  lieutenant  Holding 
of  that  regiment. 

My  staff,  colonel  Snelling,  colonel  Gardner,  major  Jones,  and 
my  aids-de-camp,  major  Austin  and  lieutenant  Armstrong,  were, 
as  usual,  zealous,  intelligent  and  active ;  they  performed  every 
duty  required  of  them  to  my  entire  satisfaction. 

Major  Hall,  assistant  inspector  general,  led  a  battalion  of  mi 
litia,  and  conducted  with  skill  arid  gallantry.  Lieutenant  Kirby, 
aid-de-camp  to  general  Ripley,  was  extremely  active  and  useful 
during  the  time  he  was  in  action. 

Lieutenants  Frazer  and  Riddle  were  in  general  Porter's  Staff; 
their  bravery  was  conspicuous,  and  no  officers  of  their  grade  were 
more  useful. 

The  corps  of  artillery,  commanded  by  major  Hindhian,  which 
has  been  so  eminently  distinguished  throughout  this  campaign, 
had  no  opportunity  of  taking  a  part  in  the  sortie.  The  25th  in 
fantry,  under  colonel  Jessup,  was  stationed  in  fort  Erie  to  hold 
the  key  of  our  position. 

Colonel  Brady,  on  whose  firmness  and  good  conduct  every  re 
liance  could  be  placed,  was  on  command  at  Buffalo  with  the  re 
mains  of  the  22d  infantry.  Lieutenant  colonel  M'Ree  and  lieu 
tenant  colonel  Wood,  of  the  corps  of  engineers,  having  rendered 
to  this  army  services  the  most  important^  I  must  seize  the  oppor 
tunity  of  again  mentioning  them  particularly.  On  every  trying 
occasion,  I  have  reaped  much  benefit  from  their  sound  and  excel 
lent  advice.  No  two  officers  of  their  grade  could  have  contributed 
more  to  the  safety  and  honour  of  this  army.  Wood,  brave,  gene 
rous  and  enterprising,  died  as  he  had  lived,  without  a  feeling  but 
for  the  honour  of  his  country  and  glory  of  her  arms.  His  name 
and  example  will  live  to  guide  the  soldier  in  the  path  of  duty  so 
long  as  true  heroism  is  held  in  estimation.  M'Ree  lives  to  enjoy 
the  approbation  of  every  virtuous  and  generous  mind,  and  to  re 
ceive  the  reward  due  to  his  services  and  high  military  talents. 

It  is  proper  here  to  notice,  that  although  but  one-third  of  the 
enemy's  force  was  on  duty  when  his  works  were  carried,  the 
whole  were  brought  into  action  while  we  were  employed  in  des 
troying  his  cannon.  We  secured  prisoners  from  seven  of  his  regi 
ments,  and  know  that  the  6th  and  82d  suffered  severely  in  killed 
and  wounded,  yet  these  regiments  were  not  upon  duty. 

Lieutenant  general  Drummond  broke  up  his  camp  during  the 
night  of  the  21st,  and  retired  to  his  entrenchments  behind  the 
Chippewa.  A  part  of  our  men  came  up  with  the  rear  of  his 
army  at  Frenchman's  creek ;  the  enemy  destroyed  part  of  their 
stores,  by  setting  fire  to  the  buildings  from  which  they  were  em 
ployed  in  conveying  them.  We  found  in  and  about  the  camp,  a 


445 

considerable  quantity  of  cannon  ball,  and  upwards  of  one  hundred 
•tand  of  arms. 

I  send  you  enclosed  herein,  a  return  of  our  loss.  The  return 
pf  prisoners  enclosed,  does  not  include  the  stragglers  that  came 
in  after  the  action. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

JACOB  BROWN. 
Hon.  Secretary  of  War. 


H.  Q.  CAMP  FORT  ERIE,  October  1st,  1814, 

SIR, 

Looking  over  my  official  account  of  the  action  of  the  1 7th 
ultimo,  I  find  that  the  names  of  the  regiments  which  composed 
general  Miller's  command  have  not  been  given.  As  I  believe  it 
even  more  important  to  distinguish  corps  than  individuals,  I 
am  anxious  to  correct  this  mistake.  General  Miller  on  that  day 
commanded  the  remains  of  the  9th  and  llth  infantry  and  a  de 
tachment  of  the  19th.  Of  three  field  officers  who  were  attached 
to  them,  two  were  severely  wounded  ;  lieutenant  colonel  Aspin- 
wall  of  the  9th,  gallantly  leading  his  men  to  the  attack  upon  the 
enemy's  entrenchments ;  and  major  Trimble,  of  the  19th,  who 
was  shot  within  their  works,  conducting  with  great  skill  and  bra 
very.  A  detachment  of  the  17th  regiment  was  attached  to  the 
21st. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

JACOB  BRQWN. 
Hon.  Secretary  of  War.  » 


PRIVATEER  GENERAL  ARMSTRONG. 

FAYAL,  October  4th,  1814; 

SIR, 

With  infinite  regret  I  am  constrained  to  say,  it  has  eventually 
fallen  to  my  lot  to  state  to  you  the  loss  and  destruction  of  the 
private  armed  brig  General  Armstrong,  late  under  my  command. 
We  sailed  from  Sandy  Hook  on  the  evening  of  the  9th  ultimo, 
and  about  midnight  fell  in  chase,  aboard  of  a  razee  and  ship  ot 
the  line.  They  pursued  till  next  day  noon,  when  they  thought 
proper  to  give  over  the  chase.  On  the  1 1th,  after  a  nine  hours'  chace> 
boarded  the  private  armed  schooner  Perry,  John  Colman,  six  days 
from  Philadelphia,  had  thrown  over  all  his  guns.  On  the  following 
day  fell  in  with  an  enemy's  gun  brig;  exchanged  a  few  shots  with 
and  left  him.  On  the  24th,  boarded  a  Spanish  brigand  schooner, 
and  a  Portuguese  ship,  all  from  the  Havanna.  On  the  26th  fol 
lowing,  came  to  in  Fayal  Roads,  for  the  purpose  of  filling  water ; 
called  on  the  American  consul  who  very  politely  ordered  our  wa 
ter  immediately  sent  oft",  it  hieing  OUF  intention  to  proceed  to  se*» 


446 

early  the  next  day.  At  5  P.  M.  I  went  on  board,  the  consul  and 
some  other  gentlemen  in  company.  1  asked  some  questions  con 
cerning  enemy's  cruizers,  and  was  told  there  had  been  none  ai 
these  islands  for  several  weeks;  when  about  dusk,  while  we  were 
examining,  the  British  brig,  Carnation,  suddenly  hove  in  sight  close1 
under  the  north-east  bead  of  the  harbor,  within  gun-shot  when 
first  discovered.  The  idea  of  getting  under  weigh  was  instantly 
suggested  ;  but  finding  the  enemy's  brig  had  the  advantage  of  a. 
bree/,e,  and  but  little  wind  with  us,  it  was  thought  doubtful  if  wt 
should  be  able  to  get  to  sea  without  hazarding  an  action.  I  ques 
tioned  the  consul  to  know  if  in  his  opinion  the  enemy  would  re 
gard  the  neutrality  of  the  port?  He  gave  me  to  understand  1 
miuht  make  myself  perfectly  easy,  assuring  me  at  the  same  time, 
they  would  never  molest  us  while  at  anchor.  But  no  sooner  diti 
the  enemy's  brig  understand  from  the  pilot  boat  who  we  were,  than, 
she  immediately  hauled  close  in  and  let  go  her  anchor  within 
pistol  shot  of  us  :  at  the  same  moment  the  Plantagenet,  and  frigate 
Kota,  hove  in  sight,  to  whom  the  Carnation  instantly  made  signal, 
and  a  constant  interchange  took  place  for  some  time. 

The  result  was,  the  Carnation  proceeded  to  throw  out  all  her 
boats  ;  despatched  on  board  the  commodore,  and  appeared  other 
wise  1o  be  making  unusual  exertions.  The  moon  was  near-  its 
full,  which  enabled  us  to  observe  them  very  minutely  ;  and  I  now 
determined  to  haul  in  nearer  the  shore.  Accordingly,  after  clear 
ing  for  action,  we  got  under  weigh,  aud  began  to  sweep  in.  The 
moment  this  was  observed  by  the  enemy's  brig,  she  instantly  cut 
her  cable,  made  sail,  and  despatched  four  boats  in  pursuit  of  us. 
Being  now  about  8  P.  M.  as  soon  as  we  saw  the  boats  approaching, 
we  let  go  our  anchor,  got  springs  oh  our  cable,  and  prepared  to 
receive  them.  I  hailed  them  repeatedly  as  they  drew  near,  but 
they  felt  no  inclination  to  reply.  Sure  of  their  game,  they  only 
pulled  up  with  the  greater  speed.  I  observed  the  boats  were  all 
manned,  and  apparently  as  well  armed ;  and  as  soon  as  they  had 
cleverly  got  alon^  side,  we  opened  our  fire,  which  was  soon  re 
turned";  but  meeting  with  rather  a  warmer  reception  than  they 
had  probably  been  aware  of,  they  very  soon  cried  out  for  quar 
ters  and  hauled  off.  In  this  skirmish,  1  had  one  man  killed,  and 
my  first  lieutenant  wounded.  The  enemy's  loss  must  have  been 
upwards  of  twenty  killed  and  wounded. 

They  had  now  repaired  to  their  ships  to  prepare  for  a  more 
formidable  attack.  We,  in  the  interim,  having  taken  the  hint, 
prepared  to  haul  close  into  the  beach,  where  we  moored  head  and 
stern,  within  half  pistol  shot  of  the  castle.  This  done,  we  again 
prepared  in  the  best  possible  manner  for  their  second  reception. 
At  9  P.  INT.  we  observed  the  enemy's  brig  towing  in  a  fleet  of 
boats.  They  soon  after  left  the  brig  and  took  their  station  in 
three  divisions,  under  cover  of  a  small  reef  of  rocks,  within  about 
musket  shot  of  us.  'Here  they  continued  manouvring  for  some 


447 

v»me,   the  brig  still  keeping  under  weigh   to  act  with  the  boats, 
should  we  at  any  time  attempt  our  escape. 

The  shores  were  lined  with  the  inhabitants,  waiting  the  expect 
ed  attack ;  from  the  brightness  of  the  moon,  they  had  a  most 
favourable  view  of  the  scene.  The  governor,  with  most  of  the 
JSrst  people  of  the  place,  stood  by  and  saw  the  whole  affair. 

At  length,  about  midnight/we  saw  the  boats  in  motion,  (our  crew 
having  laid  at  their  quarters  during  the  whole  of  this  interval.) 
They  came  on  in  one  direct  line,  keeping  in  close  order  ;  and  we 
plainly  counted  twelve  boats.  As  soon  as  they  came  within 
proper  distance  we  opened  our  fire,  which  was  warmly  returned 
from  the  enemy's  carronades  and  small  arms.  The  discharge 
from  our  Long  Tom  rather  staggered  them  ;  but  soon  reconiioit- 
fring,  they  jrave  three  cheers,  and  came  on  most  spiritedly  ;  in 
;i  moment"  they  succeeded  in  gaining  our  bow  and  starboard  quar 
ter,  and  the  word  was  board.  Our  great  guns  now  becoming  use 
less,  we  attacked  them  sword  in  hand,  together  with  our  pikes, 
pistols,  and  musketry,  from  which  our  lads  poured  on  them  a 
most  destructive  fire/  The  enemy  made  frequent  and  repeated 
attempts  to  gain  our  decks,  but  were  repulsed  at  all  times,  and 
at  all  points,  with  the  greatest  slaughter.  About  the  middle 
of  the  action  I  received  the  intelligence  of  the  death  of  my 
second  lieutenant ;  and  soon  after  of  the  third  lieutenant  being 
badly  wounded.  From  this,  and  other  causes,  I  found  our  fire  had 
much  slackened  on  the  forecastle ;  and,  fearful  of  the  event,  I 
instantly  rallied  the  whole  of  our  after  division,  who  had  been 
bravely  defending,  and  now  had  succeeded  in  beating  the  boats  off 
the  quarters.  They  gave  a  shout,  rushed  forward,  opened  a  fresh 
fire,  and  soon  after  decided  the  conflict,  which  terminated  in  the 
total  defeat  of  the  enemy,  and  the  loss  of  many  of  their  boats  ;* 
two  of  which,  belonging  to  the  Rota,  we  took  possession  of, 
literally  loaded  with  their  own  dead.  Seventeen  only  escaped 
from  them  both,  who  swam  to  the  shore.  In  another  boat  under 
our  quarter,  commanded  by  one  of  the  lieutenants  of  the  Plan- 
tagenet,  all  were  killed  saving  four.  This  I  have  from  the  lieu 
tenant  himself,  who  further  told  me  that  he  jumped  overboard  to 
save  his  own  life. 

The  duration  of  this  action  was  about  40  minutes.  Our  decks 
were  nowr  found  in  much  confusion,  our  Long  Tom  dismounted, 
and  several  of  our  carnages  broken  ;  many  of  our  crew  having 
left  the  vessel,  and  others  disabled.  Under  these  circumstances, 
however,  we  succeeded  in  getting  Long  Tom  in  his  birth,  and  the 
decks  cleared  in  sort  fora  fresh  action,  should  the  enemy  attack 
us  again  before  day-light.  About  3  A,  M.  I  received  a  message 
from  the  American  consul,  requesting  to  see  me  on  shore,  where 
he  informed  me  the  governor  had  sent  a  note  to  captain  Lloyd, 
begging  Jiim  to  desist  from  further  hostilities.  To  \\hich  captain 
Lloyd  sent  for  an  SWIM*,  that  he.  was  determined  to  have  the  p'riva- 


448 

teer  at  the  risk  of  knocking  down  the  whole  town ;  and  that  it 
the  governor  suffered  the  Americans  to  injure  the  privateer  in  any 
manner,  he  should  consider  the  place  an  enemy's  port,  and  treat 
it  accordingly.  Finding  this  to  be  the  case,  I  considered  all  hopes 
of  saving  our  vessel  to  be  at  a.n  end.  I  therefore  went  on  board, 
and  ordered  all  our  wounded  and  dead  to  be  taken  on  shore,  and 
the  crew  to  save  their  effects  as  fast  as  possible.  Soon  after  this 
'it  became  day-light,  when  the  enemy's  brig  stood  close  in,  and 
commenced  a  heavy  fire  on  us  with  all  her  force.  After  several 
broadsides  she  hauled  off,  having  received  a  shot  in  her  hull,  her 
rigging  much  cut,  arid  her  fore-top  mast  wounded ;  (of  this  I  was 
informed  by  the  British  consul.)  She  soon  after  came  in  again, 
and  anchored  close  to  the  privateer.  I  then  ordered  the  Arm 
strong  to  be  scuttled,  to  prevent  the  enemy  from  getting  her  off. 
She  was  soon  after  boarded  by  the  enemy's  boats,  and  set  on  fire, 
which  soon  completed  her  destruction. 

They  have  destroyed  a  number  of  houses  in  the  town,  and 
wounded  some  of  the  inhabitants. 

By  what  I  have  been  able  to  learn  from  the  British  consul  and 
officers  of  the  fleet,  it  appears  there  were  about  400  officers  and 
men  in  the  last  attack  by  the  boats,  of  which  120  were  killed  and 
about  ISO  wounded.  Captain  Lloyd,  I  am  told  by  the  British  con 
sul,  is  badly  wounded  in  the  leg ;  a  jury  of  surgeons  had 
been  held,  who  gave  it  as  their  opinion,  that  amputation  would  be 
necessary  to  insure  his  life.  'Tis  said,  however,  that  the  wound 
was  occasioned  by  an  ox  treading  on  him.  The  fleet  has  remain 
ed  here  about  a  week,  during  which  they  have  been  principally 
employed  in  burying  their  dead  and  taking  care  of  their  wound 
ed. 

Three  days  after  the  action  they  were  joined  by  the  ship  Thais 
and  brig  Calypso  (two  sloops  of  war  ;  )  they  were  immediately 
taken  into  requisition  by  captain  Lloyd,  to  take  home  the  wounded 
men.  The  Calypso  sailed  for  England  with  part  of  the  wounded 
on  the  £d  instant,  among  whom  was  rthe  first  lieutenant  of  the 
Plantugenet.  The  Thais  sails  this  evening  with  the  remainder. 
Captain  Lloyd's  fleet  sailed  to-day,  supposed  for  the  West  Indies. 

The  loss*  on  our  part,  I  am  happy  to  say,  is  comparatively 
trifling  ;  two  killed  and  seven  wounded.  With  regard  to  my 
officers  in  general,  I  feel  the  greatest  satisfaction  in  saying  they  one 
and  all  fought  with  the  most  determined  bravery,  and  to  whom  I 
feel  highly  indebted  for  their  officer-like  conduct  during  the  short 
period  we  were  together ;  their  exertions  and  bravery  deserved  a 
better  fate. 

I  here  insert,  for  your  inspection,  a  list  of  the  killed  and 
wounded. 

KILLED — M.  Alexander  0.  Williams,  2d  lieutenant,  by  a  mus- 
1  ct  ball  in  the  forehead,  died  instantly;  Burton  Lloyd,  seaman, 
do.  through  the  heart  do. 


449 

WOUNDED— -Frederick  A.  Worth,  1st  lieutenant,  in  the  right 
side;  Robert  Johnson,  3d  do.  left  knee;  Raziila  Hammond, 
quarter  master,  left  arm ;  John  Finer,  seaman,  knee  ;  William 
Castle,  do.  arm  ;  Nicholas  Scalson,  do.  arm  and  leg  ;  John  Har 
rison,  do.  hand  and  face  by  the  explosion  of  a  gun. 

It  gives  me  much  pleasure  to  announce  to  you  that  our  wounded 
are  all  in  a  fair  way  of  recovery,  through  the  unremitted  care  and 
attention  of  our  worthy  surgeon. 

Mr.  Dabney,  our  consul,  is  a  gentleman  possessing  every  feel 
ing  of  humanity,  and  to  whom  the  utmost  gratitude  is  due  from 
us,  for  his  great  care  of  the  sick  and  wounded,  and  his  polite 
attention  to  my  officers  and  myself. 

Mr.  Williams  was  a  most  deserving  and  promising  officer.  Hid 
country  in  him  has  lost  one  of  its  brightest  ornaments ;  and  his 
death  must  be  sadly  lamented  by  all  who  knew  his  worth. 

Accompanied  with  this  you  will  find  a  copy  of  my  protest,  to 
gether  with  copies  of  letters  written  by  Mr.  Dabney  to  the  gover 
nor  of  Fayal,  our  minister  at  Rio  Janeiro,  and  our  Secretary  of 
State.  These  letters  will  develope  more  fully  the  circumstances 
of  this  unfortunate  affair. 

We  expect  to  sail  to-morrow  in  a  Portugeuse  brig  for  America 
Island,  who  takes  the  whole  of  our  crew. 

I  remain  gentlemen,  &c. 

SAMUEL  C.  REID. 

To  the  editor  of  the 

Mercantile  Advertiser,  New  York. 


BRUTALITY  OF  THE  ENEMY. 

vtfessrs  Gales  <$*  Seaton, 

Having  seen  the  following  publication  in  the  Alexandria 
Herald,  of  the  19th  October,  with  horror,  as  capping  the  climax 
of  atrocity — 

«  TO  THE  EDITORS  OF  THE  HERALD. 

'**  Gentlemen, 

"  I  have  no  recollection  of  having  seen  any  account  of  the 
conduct  of  the  enemy  at  Chaptico  published  in  any  of  the  public 
prints ;  you  are  at  liberty  to  publish  the  following  extract  of  a 
letter  to  a  friend,  written  shortly  after  that  affair.  It  is  a  very 
imperfect  account  written  in  a  hurry  amidst  the  bustle  of  a  camp, 
but  contains  most  of  the  facts.  My  name  is  enclosed,  which  you 
are  at  liberty  to  make  public,  if  any  respectable  person  should 
(deny  the  truth  of  the  following  statement. 

"A  citizen  of  Maryland," 

"  I  passed  through  Chaptico  shortly  after  the  enemy  left  it,  and 
I  am  eorry  to  say  that  their  conduct  would  hare  disgraced  caujii 
57 


bals ;  the  houses  were  torn  to  pieces,  the  well  which  afforded 
water  for  the  inhabitants  was  filled  up,  and,  what  was  still  worse.- 
the  church  and  the  ashes  of  the  dead  shared  an  equally  bad  or 
worse  fate.  Will  you  believe  me  when  I  tell  you  that  the  sunken 
graves  were  converted  into  barbacue  holes  ?  The  remaining  glass 
of  the  church  windows  broken,  the  communion  table  used  as  a 
dinner  table,  and  then  broken  to  pieces.  Bad  as  the  above  may 
appear,  it  dwindles  into  insignificance,  when  compared  with  what 
follows:  the  vault  was  entered  and  the  remains  of  the  dead  dis 
turbed.  Yes,  my  friend,  the  winding  sheet  was  torn  from  the 
body  of  a  lady  of  the  first  respectability,  and  the  whole  contents 
of  the  vault  entirely  deranged !  The  above  facts  were  witnessed 
by  hundreds  as  well  as  myself,  and  I  am  happy  to  say,  that  but 
one  sentiment  pervaded  our  army." 

I  immediately  showed  it  to  general  Philip  Stuart,  lately  com 
manding  the  American  troops  at  that  place,  who  read  and  de 
clared  "it  strictly  true ;  that  Cockburn  was  at  the  head  of  it; 
that  they  also  destroyed  the  organs  ;  that  judge  Key's  lady,  who 
had  been  last  put  into  the  vault,  was  the  person  alluded  to  ;  that 
her  winding  sheet  was  torn  in  pieces,  and  her  person  wantonly 
exposed  ;  and  that  his  men  were  exasperated  to  desperation  by 
this  conduct.  You  will  publish  this. 

Yours,  &c. 

ROBERT  WRIGHT. 
October  Wth,  1814. 


AFFAIR  AT  LYON'S  CREEK. 

General  Order. 

HEAD  QUARTERS  OF  THE  NORTHERN  ARMY, 

Camp  near  Fort  Erie,  October  23d,  1814. 

The  indisposition  of  brigadier  general  Bissell  has  prevented, 
till  this  morning,  his  report  of  the  handsome  affair  which  took  place 
on  the  19th,  between  a  detachment  of  his  brigade  and  a  superior 
force  of  the  enemy. 

The  object  of  the  expedition,  entrusted  to  the  brigadier,  was  the 
seizure  of  some  provisions,  intended  for  the  British  troops.  He 
marched  from  Black  Creek,  on  the  morning  of  the  18th,  with 
parts  of  the  5th,  14th,  15th  and  16th  infantry,  a  small  party  of 
dragoons,  and  a  company  of  riflemen,  the  whole  900  men.  After 
driving  before  them  a  picket,  of  which  they  made  the  commanding 
officer  prisoner,  they  encamped  for  the  night,  throwing  beyond 
Lyon's  Creek  two  light  infantry  companies,  under  captain  Dor- 
man,  5th,  and  lieutenant  Horrell,  16th  infantry,  and  the  riflemen 
under  captain  Irvine;  a  picket  on  the  Chippewa  road,  command 
ed  by  major  Gassaway  was  attacked  by  two  companies  of  Glen- 


451 

gary  light  infantry,  which  were  beaten  back  with  loss.  On  th« 
morning  of  the  19th,  the  detachment  was  attacked  by  a  select 
corps  of  the  enemy,  not  less  than  1200  strong.  The  light  infan 
try  under  captain  Dorman,  arid  Irvine's  riflemen,  sustained  the 
whole  fire  ot  the  enemy,  for  fifteen  minutes,  during  which  time 
the  5th  and  14th  were  formed — the  5th  was  ordered  to  turn  the 
enemy's  right  flank,  while  the  14th  charged  them  in  front.  This 
was  executed  iii  the  most  gallant  manner,  by  colonel  Pinkney  of 
ihe  5th,  and  major  Barnard  of  the  14th,  who  greatly  distinguish 
ed  himself  by  the  officer  like  style,  in  which  he  conducted  his 
battalion.  The  enemy  were  compelled  to  a  precipitate  retreat, 
and  hid  themselves,  once  more,  behind  their  fortifications. 

General  Bissell  particularly  mentions^  the  skill  and  intrepidity 
of  colonel  Snelling,  inspector  general,  colonel  Pinkney,  command 
ing  the  5th  regiment,  major  Barnard,  14th  infantry,  major  Barker, 
45th  infantry,  acting  with  the  5th,  captain  Dorman,  captain  Alli 
son,  whose  horse  was  shot  under  him,  and  brigade  major,  lieuten 
ant  Presttnan,  of  the  5th.  Lieutenant  Anspaugh,  of  dragoons, 
was  conspicuous  by  his  alertness  in  communicating  the  brigadier 
general's  orders,  during  the  action.  It  is  with  the  highest  satis 
faction  the  commanding  general  tenders,  to  the  brave  officers  and 
troops  of  the  2d  brigade  of  the  right  division,  his  thanks  for  their 
good  conduct  on  this  occasion.  The  firmness  of  the  15th  and  16th 
regiments,  commanded  by  colonel  Pearce,  and  who  were  posted 
as  a  reserve,  proved,  that  had  the  resistance  of  the  enemy  afford 
ed  them  an  opportunity  of  going  into  action,  they  would  have 
emulated  the  valor  of  the  5th  and  14th.  A  number  of  prisoners 
were  taken,  among  whom  a  picket  of  dragoons  with  their  horses ; 
a  large  quantity  of  grain  also  fell  into  our  hands.  The  brigadier, 
after  completing  the  orders  he  received,  and  burying  the  few  of 
our  brave  soldiers  who  fell  in  the  action,  and  the  dead  of  the  ene 
my,  which  were  left  on  the  ground  by  the  latter,  returned  to  Black 
Creek.  To  the  cool  and  intrepid  conduct  of  brigadier  general 
Bissell,  the  general  offers  the  praise  he  has  so  justly  entitled  him 
self  to. 

By  order  of  major  general  Izard, 

C.  K.  GARDNER,  Adj.  Gen.  JV.  army. 


HEAD  QUARTERS,  SEVENTH  MILITARY  DISTRICT, 

TENSAW,  November  14th,  1814. 
SIR, 

On  last  evening  I  returned  from  Pensacola  to  this  place.  I 
reached  that  post  on  the  evening  of  the  6th.  On  my  approach  I 
sent  major  Pierre  with  a  flag  to  communicate  the  object  of  my 
visit  to  the  governor  of  Pensacola.  He  approached  fort  St.  George, 
with  his  flag  displayed,  and  was  fired  on  by  the  cannon  from  the 
fort :  he  returned  and  made  report  thereof  to  me,  I  immediately 


4S2 

went  with  the  adjutant  general  and  the  major  with  a  small  escort,, 
and  viewed  the  fort,  and  found  it  defended  by  both  British  and 
Spanish  troops.  I  immediately  determined  to  storm  the  town  ; 
retired  and  encamped  my  troops  for  the  night,  and  made  the  ne 
cessary  arrangements  to  carry  my  determination  into  effect  the 
next  day. 

On  the  morning  of  the'fth  I  marched  with  the  effective  regulars 
of  the  3d,  39th,  and  44th  infantry,  part  of  general  Coffee's  brigade, 
the  Mississippi  dragoons,  and  part  of  the  West  Tennessee  regi 
ment,  commanded  by  lieutenant  colonel  Hammonds  (colonel 
Lowry  having  desired  and  gone  home,)  and  part  of  the  Choctaws 
led  by  major  Blue,  of  the  39th,  and  major  Kennedy  of  Mississippi 
territory.  Being  encamped  on  the  west  of  the  town,  I  calculated 
they  would  expect  the  assault  from  that  quarter,  and  be  prepared 
to  rake  me  from  the  fort,  and  the  British  armed  vessels,  seven  in 
number,  that  lay  in  the  bay.  To  cherish  this  idea  I  sent  out  part 
of  the  mounted  men  to  show  themselves  on  the  west  whilst  I  passed 
in  rear  of  the  fort  undiscovered  to  the  east  of  the  town.  When 
I  appeared  within  a  mile,  I  was  in  full  view.  My  pride  was  ne 
ver  more  heightened  than  in  viewing  the  uniform  firmness  of  my 
troops,  and  with  what  undaunted  courage  they  advanced,  with  a 
strong  fort  ready  to  assail  them  on  the  right,  seven  British  armed 
vessels  on  the  left,  strong  block-houses  and  batteries  of  cannon 
in  their  front;  but  they  still  advanced  with  unshaken  firmness, 
entered  the  town,  when  a  battery  of  two  cannon  was  opened  upon 
the  centre  column,  composed  of  regulars,  with  ball  and  grape, 
and  a  shower  of  musketry  from  the  houses  and  gardens.  The 
battery  was  immediately  stormed  by  captain  Lavall  and  company, 
and  carried,  and  the  musketry  was  soon  silenced  by  the  steady 
and  well-directed  fire  of  the  regulars. 

The  governor  met  colonels  Williamson  and  Smith,  who  led  the 
dismounted  volunteers,  with  a  flag,  begged  for  mercy,  and  surren 
dered  the  town  and  fort  unconditionally.  Mercy  was  granted 
and  protection  given  to  the  citizens  and  their  property,  and  still 
Spanish  treachery  kept  us  out  of  possession  of  the  fort  until  nearly 
12  o'clock  at  night. 

Never  was  more  cool  determined  bravery  displayed  by  any 
troops;  and  the  Choctaws  advanced  to  the  charge  with  equal 
bravery. 

On  the  morning  of  the  8th,  I  prepared  to  march  and  storm  the 
Baran-cas,  but  before  I  could  move,  tremendous  explosions  told 
me  that  the  Barancas,  with  all  its  appendages,  was  blown  up.  I 
Despatched- a  detachment  of  two  hundred  men  to  explore  it,  who- 
returned  in  the  night  with  the  information-  that  it  was  blown  up, 
all  the  combustible  parts  burnt,  the  cannon  spiked  and  dismount 
ed,  except  two.  This  being  the  case,  I  determined  to  withdraw 
my  troops,  but  before  I  did,  I  had  the  pleasure  to  see  the  British 
Depart.  Colonel  Nicholls  abandoned  tne  fort  on  the  night  of  the- 


4*13 

6th,  and  betook  himself  to   his  shipping,  with  his  friend  captain 
Woodbine,  and  their  red  friends. 

The  steady  firmness  of  my  troops  has  drawn  a  just  respect 
from  our  enemies.  It  has  convinced  the  Red  Sticks  that  they  have 
no  strong  hold  or  protection,  only  in  the  friendship  of  the  United 
States.  The  good  order  and  conduct  of  my  troops,  whilst  in 
Pensacola,  has  convinced  the  Spaniards  of  our  friendship  and  our 
prowess,  and  has  drawn  from  the  citizens  an  expression,  that  our 
Choctaws  are  more  civilize^  than  the  British. 

In  great  haste,  I  am,  &c. 

ANDREW  JACKSON, 
T«  the  Gov.  of  Tennessee. 


CAMP,  BELOW  NEW  ORLEANS,  December  27th,  1814, 
SIR, 

The  loss  of  our  gun-boats  near  the  pass  of  the  Rigolets,  hav 
ing  given  the  enemy  command  of  lake  Borgne,  he  was  enabled  to 
choose  his  point  of  attack.  It  became,  therefore,  an  object  of 
importance  to  obstruct  the  numerous  bayous  and  canals  leading 
from  that  lake  to  the  highland  on  the  Mississippi.  This  import 
ant  service  was  committed,  in  the  first  instance,  to  a  detachment 
ef  the  7th  regiment,  afterwards  to  colonel  De  Laronde,  of  the 
Louisiana  militia,  and  lastly,  to  make  all  sure,  to  major  general 
Villere,  commanding  the  district  between  the  river  and  the  lakes, 
and  who,  being  a  native  of  the  country,  was  presumed  to  be  best 
acquainted  with  all  those  passes.  Unfortunately,  however,  a  picket 
which  the  general  had  established  at  the  mouth  of  the  bayou 
Bienvenu,  and  which,  notwithstanding  my  orders,  had  been  left 
unobstructed,  was  completely  surprised,  and  the  enemy  penetrated 
through  a  canal  leading  to  his  farm,  about  two  leagues  below  the 
city,  and  succeeded  in  cutting  off  a  company  of  militia  stationed 
there.  This  intelligence  was  communicated  to  me  about  12 
o'clock  of  the  23d.  My  force  at  this  time  consisted  of  parts  of 
the  7th  and  44th  regiments,  not  exceeding  six  hundred  together, 
the  city  militia,  a  part  of  general  Coffee's  brigade  of  mounted  gun 
men,  and  the  detached  militia  from  the  western  division  of  Ten 
nessee,  under  the  command  of  major  general  Carroll.  These  two 
last  corps  were  stationed  four  miles  above  the  city.  Apprehending 
a  double  attack  by  the  way  of  Chief-Mo nteur,  1  left  general  Car 
roll's  force  and  the  militia  of  the  city  posted  on  the  Gentilly  road ; 
and  at  5  o'clock  P.  M,  inarched  to  meet  the  enemv,  whom  I  was 
resolved  to  attack  in  his  first  position,  with  major  Hind's  dragoons, 
general  Coffee's  brigade/parts  of  the  7th  and44th  regiments,  the 
uniformed  companies  of  militia,  under  the  command  of  major 
Planche,  200  men  of  colour,  chiefly  from  St.  Domingo,  raised  by 
eolonel  Savary  and  acting  under  the  command  of  major  Dagwingy 
and  a  detachment  of  artillery  under  the  direction  of  colonel  M'Rea, 
with  two  six  pounders,  under  thr*  command  of  lieutenant  Spots; 


454 

not  exceeding  in  all  1500.  I  arrived  near  the  enemy's  encamp 
ment  about  7,  and  immediately  made  my  dispositions  for  the 
attack.  His  forces  amounting,  at  that  time,  on  land  to  about 
3000,  extended  half  a  mile  on  that  river,  and  in  the  rear  nearlv 
to  the  wood.  General  Coffee  was  ordered  to  turn  their  right, 
while  with  the  residue  of  the  force  I  attacked  his  strongest  posi 
tion  on  the  left  near  the  river.  Commodore  Patterson  having; 
dropped  down  the  river  in  the  schooner  Caroline,  was  directed  to 
open  a  fire  upon  their  camp,  which  he  executed  at  about  half  past 
seven.  This  being  a  signal  of  attack,  general  Coffee's  men,  with 
their  usual  impetuosity,  rushed  on  the  enemy's  right  and  entered 
their  camp,  while  our  right  advanced  with  equal  ardour.  There 
can  be  but  little  doubt,  that  we  should  have  succeeded  on  thaf 
occasion  with  our  inferior  force,  in  destroying  or  capturing  the 
enemy,  had  not  a  thick  fog  which  arose  about  8  o'clock,  occasion 
ed  some  confusion  among  the  different  corps.  Fearing  the  conse 
quence,  under  this  circumstance,  of  the  further  prosecution  of  a 
night  attack  with  troops,  then  acting  together  for  the  first  time, 
I  contented  myself  with  lying  on  the  field  that  night ;  and  at  four 
in  the  morning,  assumed  a  stronger  position,  about  two  miles 
hearer  the  city.  At  this  position  I  remained  encamped,  waiting 
the  arrival  of  the  Kentucky  militia,  and  other  reinforcements.  As 
the  safety  of  the  city  will  depend  on  the  fate  of  this  army,  it  must 
Aot  be  incautiously  exposed. 

In  this  affair  the  whole  corps  under  my  command,  deserve  the 
greatest  credit.  The  best  compliment  I  can  pay  to  general  Coffee 
and  his  brigade,  is  to  say,  they  have  behaved  as  they  have  always 
done  while  under  my  command.  The  7th,  led  by  major  Pierre, 
and  44th,  commanded  by  colonel  Ross,  distinguished  themselves. 
The  battalion  of  city  militia,  commanded  by  major  Planche,  real 
ized  my  anticipations,  and  behaved  like  veterans.  Savary's  vo 
lunteers  manifested  great  bravery  :  and  the  company  of  city  rifle 
men  having  penetrated  into  the  midst  of  the  enemy's  camp,  were 
surrounded,  and  fought  their  way  out  with  the  greatest  heroism, 
bringing  with  them  a  number  of  prisoners.  The  two  field  piece* 
were  well  served  by  the  officers  commanding  them. 

All  my  officers  in  the  line  did  their  duty,  and  I  have  every  rea 
son  to  be  satisfied  with  the  whole  of  my  field  and  staff.  Colonel* 
Butler  and  Platt  and  major  Chotard,  by  their  intrepidity,  saved 
the  artillery.  Colonel  liaynes  was  every  where  that  duty  or 
danger  called.  I  was  deprived  of  the  services  of  one  of  my  aicb. 
captain  Butler,  whom  I  was  obliged  to  station,  to  his  great  regret, 
in  town.  Captain  Reid,  my  other  aid,  and  Messrs.  Livingston, 
Duplis  and  Davizac,  who  had  volunteered  their  services,  faced 
danger  wherever  it  was  to  be  met,  and  carried  my  orders  with  the 
utmost  promptitude. 

We  made  one  major,  two  subalterns  and  sixty-three  privates 
prisoners ;  and  the  enemy's  loss  in  killed  and  wounded  must  have 
been  at  least  — • .  My  own  loss,  I  have  not  as  yet  been  able 


456 

to  ascertain  with  exactness,  but  suppose  it  to  amount  to  100  in 
killed,  wounded,  and  missing.  Among  the  former,  I  have  to  la 
ment  the  loss  of  colonel  Lauderdale,  of  general  Coffee's  brigade, 
v/ho  fell  while  bravely  fighting.  Colonels  Dyer  and  Gibson,  of 
the  same  corps,  were  wounded,  and  major  Kavenaugh  taken  pri 
soner. 

Colonel  De  Laronde,  major  Villere,  of  the  Louisiana  militia, 
major  Latour,  of  engineers,  having  no  command,  volunteered 
their  services,  as  did  doctors  Kerr  and  Hood,  and  were  of  great 
assistance  to  me. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

ANDREW  JACKSON. 

Hon.  James  Monroe, 

acting  Secretary  of  War. 


HEAD  QUARTERS,  7th  MILITARY  DISTRICT, 

Camp  below  New  Orleans,  December  29th,  1814, 

SIR, 

The  enemy  succeeded  on  the  27th,  in  blowing  up  the  Caro 
line,  (she  being  becalmed)  by  means  of  hot  shot  from  a  land  bat 
tery  which  he  had  erected  in  the  night.  Emboldened  by  this 
event,  he  marched  his  whole  force  the  next  day,  up  the  level,  in 
the  hope  of  driving  us  from  our  position,  and  with  this  view  open 
ed  upon  us,  at  the  distance  of  about  half  a  mile,  his  bombs  and 
rockets.  He  was  repulsed,  however,  with  considerable  loss — not 
less,  it  is  believed,  than  120  in  killed,  Ours  was  inconsiderable, 
not  exceeding  half  a  dozen  in  killed,  and  a  dozen  wounded. 

Since  then,  he  has  not  ventured  to  repeat  his  attempt,  though 
lying  close  together.  There  has  been  frequent  skirmishing  be 
tween  our  pickets. 

I  lament  that  I  have  not  the  means  of  carrying  on  more  offen 
sive  operations.  The  Kentucky  troops  have  not  arrived,  and  my 
effective  force  at  this  point,  does  not  exceed  3000.  Theirs  must 
be  at  least  double — both  prisoners  and  deserters  agreeing  in  the 
statement  that  7000  landed  from  their  boats. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

ANDREW  JACKSON. 
The  Hon.  Secretary  of  War. 


CAMP,  FOUR  MILES  BELOW  NEW  ORLEANS. 

January  9th,  1815. 
SIR, 

During  the  days  of  the  6th  and  7th,  the  enemy  had  been 
actively  employed  in  making  preparations  for  an  attack  on  my 
lines.  With  infinite  labour  they  had  succeeded  on  the  night  of 
the  7th,  in  getting  their  boats  across  from  the  lake  to  the  river, 
by  widening  and  deepening  the  canal  on  which  they  had  effected 


4i* 

their  disembarkation.  It  had  not  been  in  my  power  to  impede 
these  operations  by  a  general  attack :  added  to  other  reasons,  the 
nature  of  the  troops  under  my  command,  mostly  militia,  rendered 
it  too  hazardous  to  attempt  extensive  offensive  movements  in  an 
open  country,  against  a  numerous  and  well  disciplined  army.  Al 
though  my  torces,  as  to  number,  had  been  increased  by  the  arrival 
of  the  Kentucky  division,  my  strength  had  received  very  little 
addition;  a  small  portion  only  of  that  detachment  being  provided 
with  arms.  Compelled  thus  to  wait  the  attack  of  the  enemy,  I 
took  every  measure  to  repel  it  when  it  should  be  made,  and  to 
defeat  the  object  he  had  in  view.  General  Morgan,  with  the  New 
Orleans  contingent,  the  Louisiana  militia,  and  a  strong  detach 
ment  of  the  Kentucky  troops,  occupied  an  entrenched  camp  on 
the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  protected  by  strong  batteries  on  the 
bank,  erected  and  superintended  by  commodore  Patterson. 

In  my  encampment  every  thing  was  ready  for  action,  when, 
early  in  the  morning  of  the  8th,  the  enemy  after  throwing  a  heavy 
shower  of  bombs  and  congreve  rockets,  advanced  their  columns 
on  my  right  and  left,  to  storm  my  entrenchments.  I  cannot 
speak  sufficiently  in  praise  of  the  firmness  and  deliberation  with 
which  my  whole  line  received  their  approach — more  could  not 
have  been  expected  from  veterans  inured  to  war.  For  an  hour 
the  fire  of  the  small  arms  was  as  incessant  and  severe  as  can  be 
imagined.  The  artillery,  too,  directed  by  officers  who  displayed 
equal  skill  and  courage,  did  great  executien.  Yet  the  columns 
of  the  enemy  continued  to  advance  with  a  firmness  which  reflects 
upon  them  the  greatest  credit.  Twice  the  column  which  approach 
ed  me  on  my  left,  was  repulsed  by  the  troops  of  general  Car 
roll,  those  ot*  general  Coffee,  and  a  division  of  the  Kentucky 
militia,  and  twice  they  formed  again  and  renewed  the  assault.  At 
length,  however,  cut  to  pieces,  they  fled  in  confusion  from  the  field, 
leaving  it  covered  with  their  dead  and  wounded.  The  loss  which 
the  enemy  sustained  on  this  occasion,  cannot  be  estimated  at  less 
than  1500  in  killed,  wounded  and  prisoners.  Upwards  of  three 
hundred  have  already  been  delivered  over  for  burial ;  and  my 
men  are  still  engaged  in  picking  them  up  within  my  lines  and 
carrying  them  to  the  point  where  the  enemy  are  to  receive  them. 
This  is  in  addition  to  the  dead  and  wounded  whom  the  enemy 
have  been  enabled  to  carry  from  the  field,  during  and  since  the 
action,  and  to  those  who  have  since  died  of  the  wounds  they 
received.  We  have  taken  about  500  prisoners,  upwards  of  300 
of.  whom  are  wounded,  and  a  great  part  of  them  mortally.  My 
loss  has  not  exceeded,  and  I  believe  has  not  amounted  to,  10  kil 
led  and  as  many  wounded.  The  entire  destruction  of  the  ene 
my's  army  was  now  inevitable,  had  it  not  been  for  an  unfortunate 
occurrence  which  at  this  moment  took  place  on  the  other  side  of 
the  river.  Simultaneously  with  his  advance  upon  my  lines,  he 
had  thrown  over  in  his  boats  a  considerable  force  to  the  other  side 
of  the  river.  These  having  landed,  were  hardy  enough  to  advance 


457 

against  the  works  of  general  Morgan ;  and  what  is  strange  and 
difficult  to  account  for,  at  the  very  moment  when  their  entire  dis 
comfiture  was  looked  for  with  a  confidence  approaching  to  cer 
tainty,  the  Kentucky  reinforcements  ingloriously  fled,  drawing 
after  them,  by  their  example,  the  remainder  of  the  forces ;  and 
thus  yielding  to  the  enemy  that  most  fortunate  position.  The 
batteries  which  had  rendered  me  for  many  days,  the  most  import 
ant  service,  though  bravely  defended,  were  of  course  now  aban 
doned  ;  not,  however,  until  the  guns  had  been  spiked. 

This  unfortunate  route  had  totally  changed  the  aspect  of  af 
fairs.  The  enemy  now  occupied  a  position  from  which  they 
might  annoy  us  without  hazard,  and  by  means  of  which,  they 
might  have  been  enabled  to  defeat,  in  a  great  measure,  the  effect 
of  our  success  on  this  side  the  river.  It  became,  therefore,  an 
object  of  the  first  consequence  to  dislodge  him  as  soon  as  possi 
ble.  For  this  object,  all  the  means  in  my  power,  which  I  could 
with  any  safety  use,  were  immediately  put  in  preparation. 
Perhaps,  however,  it  was  somewhat  owing  to  another  cause  that  I 
succeeded  beyond  my  expectations.  In  negotiating  the  terms  of 
a  temporary  suspension  of  hostilities  to  enable  the  enemy  to  bury 
their  dead  and  provide  for  their  wounded,  I  had  required  certain 
propositions  to  be  acceded  to  as  a  basis ;  among  which,  this  was 
one:  that  although  hostilities  should  cease  on  this  side  the  river 
until  12  o'clock  of  this  day,  yet  it  was  not  to  be  understood  that 
they  should  cease  on  the  other  side ;  but  that  no  reinforcements 
should  be  sent  across  by  either  army  until  the  expiration  of  that 
day.  His  excellency  major  general  Lambert  begged  time  to  con 
sider  of  those  propositions  until  10  o'clock  of  to-day,  and  in  the 
mean  time  re-crossed  his  troops.  I  need  not  tell  you  with  how 
much  eagerness  I  immediately  regained  possession  of  the  position 
he  had  thus  hastily  quitted. 

The  enemy  having  concentrated  his  forces,  may  again  attempt 
to  drive  me  from  my  position  by  storm.  Whenever  he  does,  I 
have  no  doubt  my  men  will  act  with  their  usual  firmness,  and 
sustain  a  character  now  become  dear  to  them. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

ANDREW  JACKSON. 
Hon.  Secretary  of  War. 


CAMP  BELOW  NEW  ORLEANS,  January  10th,  1815. 
SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  make  the  following  report  of  the  killed, 
wounded,  and  prisoners,  taken  at  the  battle  at  Larond's  planta 
tion,  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Mississippi,  on  the  night  of  uie  23d 
December,  1814,  seven  miles  below  New  Orleans. 
Killed— left  on  the  field  of  battle— 100 
Wounded— left  on  the  field  of  battle-— 230 

SB 


458 

Prisoners  taken— One  major,  2  lieutenants,  1  midshipman, 
66  non-commissioned  officers  and  privates,  making  a  grand  totaJ 
of  400. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

A.  P.  HAYNE,  Inspct.  Gen. 
Major  general  Andrew  Jackson. 


HEAD  QUARTERS,  CAMP,  4  MILES  BELOW  NEW  ORLEANS.. 

January  13th,  1815. 
SIR, 

At  such  a  crisis,  I  conceive  it  my  duty  to  keep  you  con^ 
stantly  advised  of  my  situation. 

On  the  10th  instant  I  forwarded  you  an  account  of  the  bold  at 
tempt  made  by  the  enemy,  on  the  morning  of  the  8th,  to  take 
possession  of  my  works  by  storm,  and  of  the  severe  repulse  which 
he  met  with.  That  report  having  been  sent  by  the  mail  which 
crosses  the  lake,  may  possibly  have  miscarried;  for  which  reason, 
I  think  it  the  more  necessary  briefly  to  repeat  the  substance  of  it* 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  8th,  the  enemy  having  been  ac 
tively  employed  the  two  preceding  days  in  making  preparations 
for  a  storm,  advanced  in  two  strong  columns  on  my  right  and  left. 
They  were  received,  however,  with  a  firmness  which  it  seems  they 
little  expected,  and  which  defeated  all  their  hopes.  My  men, 
undisturbed  by  their  approach,  which  indeed  they  long  anxiously 
wished  for,  opened  upon  them  a  fire  so  deliberate  and  certain,  as 
rendered  their  scaling  ladders  and  fascines,  as  well  as  their  more 
direct  implements  of  warfare,  perfectly  useless.  For  upwards  of 
an  hour,  it  was  continued  with  a  briskness  of  which  there  have 
been  but  few  instances,  perhaps  in  any  country.  In  justice  to 
the  enemy,  it  must  be  said,  they  withstood  it  as  long  as  could  be 
expected  from  the  most  determined  bravery.  At  length,  however, 
when  all  prospect  of  success  became  hopeless,  they  fled  in  con 
fusion  from  the  field,  leaving  it  covered  with  their  dead  and 
wounded.  Their  loss  was  immense.  I  had  at  first  computed  it 
at  1500;  but  it  is  since  ascertained  to  have  been  much  greater. 
Upon  information,  which  is  believed  to  be  correct,  colonel  Haynes, 
the  inspector  general,  reports  it  to  be  in  total  2600.  His  report 
I  enclose  you.  My  loss  was  inconsiderable,  being  only  seven 
killed  and  six  wounded.  Such  a  disproportion  in  loss,  when  we 
consider  the  number  and  kind  of  troops  engaged,  must,  I  know, 
excite  astonishment,  and  may  not  every  where  be  fully  credited  ; 
yet  I  am  perfectly  satisfied  that  the  account  is  not  exaggerated  on 
the  one  part,  nor  underrated  on  the  other. 

The  enemy  having  hastily  quitted  a  post  which  they  had  gained 
possession  of  on  the  other  side  of  the  river,  and  we  having  im 
mediately  returned  to  it,  both  armies  at  present  occupy  their  for 
mer  positions.  Whether,  after  the  severe  losses  he  has  sustained, 
he  is  preparing  to  return  to  his  shipping,  or  to  make  still  mightier 


459 

efforts  to  attain  his  first  object,  I  do  not  pretend  to  determine. 
It  becomes  me  to  act  as  though  the  latter  were  his  intention.  One 
thing,  however,  seems  certain,  that  if  he  still  calculates  on  effect 
ing  what  he  has  hitherto  been  unable  to  accomplish,  he  must  ex 
pect  considerable  reinforcements ;  as  the  force  with  which  he 
landed  must  undoubtedly  be  diminished  by  at  least  3000.  Be 
sides  the  loss  which  he  sustained  on  the  night  of  the  23d  ultimo, 
which  is  estimated  at  400,  he  cannot  have  suffered  less  between  that 
period  and  the  morning  of  the  18th  instant  than  3000 — having, 
within  that  time,  been  repulsed  in  two  general  attempts  to  drive 
us  from  our  position,  and  there  having  been  continual  cannonad 
ing  and  skirmishing,  during  the  whole  of  it.  Yet  he  is  still  able 
to  show  a  very  formidable  force. 

There  is  little  doubt  that  the  commanding  general,  sir  Edward 
"Packenham,  was  killed  in  the  action  of  the  8th,  and  that  major 
generals  Keane  and  Gibbs  were  badly  wounded. 

Whenever  a  more  leisure  moment  shall  occur,  I  will  take  the 
liberty  to  make  and  forward  you  a  more  circumstantial  account 
of  the  several  actions,  and  particularly  that  of  the  8th ;  in  doing 
which  my  chief  motive  will  be  to  render  justice  to  those  brave 
men  I  have  the  honour  to  command,  and  who  have  so  remarkably 
distinguished  themselves. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

ANDREW  JACKSON, 
Hon.  Secretary  of  War. 

CAMP  BELOW  NEW  ORLEANS,  January  13th,  1815. 
SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  make  the  following  report  of  the  killed, 
wounded  and  prisoners,  taken  at  the  battle  of  Mac  Prardie's 
plantation,  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Mississippi,  on  the  morning  of 
the  8th  of  January,  1815,  aiitt  five  miles  below  the  city  of  New 
Orleans. 

Killed,  •  •  700 

Wounded,  -        1,400 

Prisoners  taken — 1  major,  4  captains,  11  lieutenants,  1  en- 
gign,  483  camp  officers  and  privates,  making  a  grand  total  of 
2,600. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 
A.  P.  HAYNE,  Inspector  General 
JIajor  General  Andrew  Jackson, 

CAMP  BELOW  NEW  ORLEANS,  January  19th,  1815, 
SIR, 

Last  night  at  12  o'clock,  the  enemy  precipitately  decamped 
and  returned  to  their  boats,  leaving  behind  him,  under  medical 
attendance,  eighty  of  his  wounded  including  two  officers,  14 
pieces  of  his  heavy  artillery,  and  a  quantity  of  shot,  having  de* 


460 

stroyed  much  of  his  powder.  Such  was  the  situation  of  the 
ground  he  abandoned,  and  of  that  through  which  he  retired,  pro 
tected  by  canals,  redoubts,  entrenchments  and  swamps  on  his 
right,  and  the  river  on  his  left,  that  I  could  not,  without  encoun 
tering  a  risk  which  true  policy  did  not  seem  to  require,  or  to 
authorize,  attempt  to  annoy  him  much  on  his  retreat.  We  took 
only  eight  prisoners. 

Whether  it  is  the  purpose  of  the  enemy  to  abandon  the  expe 
dition  altogether,  or  renew  his  efforts  at  some  other  point,  I  do 
not  pretend  to  determine  with  positiveness.  In  my  own  mind,  how 
ever,  there  is  but  little  doubt,  that  his  last  exertions  have  been 
made  in  this  quarter,  at  any  rate  for  the  present  season,  and  by 
the  next  I  hope  we  shall  be  fully  prepared  for  him.  In  this  belief 
I  am  strengthened  not  only  by  the  prodigious  loss  he  has  sustained 
at  the  position  he  has  just  quitted,  but  by  the  failure  of  his  fleet 
to  pass  fort  St.  Philip. 

His  loss  on  this  ground,  since  the  debarkation  of  his  troops,  as 
stated  by  the  last  prisoners  and  deserters,  and  as  confirmed  by 
many  additional  circumstances,  must  have  exceeded  four  thou 
sand  ;  and  was  greater  in  the  action  of  the  8th  than  was  estimated, 
from  the  most  correct  data  then  in  his  possession,  by  the  inspec 
tor  general,  whose  report  has  been  forwarded  to  you.  We  suc 
ceeded,  on  the  8th,  in  getting  from  the  enemy  about  1000  stand 
of  arms  of  various  descriptions. 

Since  the  action  of  the  8th,  the  enemy  have  been  allowed  very 
little  respite — my  artillery  from  both  sides  of  the  river  being  con 
stantly  employed,  till  the  night,  and  indeed  until  the  hour  of  their 
retreat,  in  annoying  them.  No  doubt  they  thought  it  quite  time 
to  quit  a  position  in  which  so  little  rest  could  be  found. 

I  am  advised  by  major  Overton,  who  commands  at  fort  St. 
Philip,  in  a  letter  of  the  18th,  that  the  enemy  having  bombarded  his 
fort  for  8  or  9  days  from  13  inch  mortars  without  effect,  had,  on 
the  morning  of  that  day,  retired.  I  have  little  doubt  that  he 
would  have  been  able  to  have  sunk  their  vessels  had  they  attempt 
ed  to  run  by. 

Giving  the  proper  weight  to  all  these  considerations,  I  believe 
you  will  not  think  me  too  sanguine  in  the  belief  that  Louisiana  is 
now  clear  of  its  enemy.  I  hope,  however,  I  need  not  assure  you, 
that  wherever  I  command,  such  a  belief  shall  never  occasion  any 
relaxation  in  the  measures  for  resistance.  I  am  but  too  sensible 
that  the  moment  when  the  enemy  is  opposing  us,  is  not  the  most 
proper  to  provide  for  them. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

ANDREW  JACKSON. 
The  Secretary  of  War. 

P.  S.  On  the  18th  our  prisoners  on  shore  were  delivered  us,  an 
exchange  having  been  previously  agreed  to.  Those  who  are  on 
board  the- fleet  will  be  delivered  at  Petit  Coquille — after  which  I 
shall  stiH  have  in  my'handfc  an  excess  ef  several  hundred. 


461 

20th — Mr.  Shields,  purser  in  the  navy,  has  to-day  taken  54 
prisoners ;  among  them  are  four  officers. 

A.  J. 

Heport  of  the  American  loss  in  the  several  actions  below  New 

Orleans. 

December  23d, — killed  24;  wounded  115;  missing  74. — Total 
213. 

December  28th, — killed  7 ;  wounded  8 ;  missing  none. — Total  15. 

January  1st, — killed  11 ;  wounded  23  ;  missing  none. — Total  34. 
do.  8th,—  do.  13 ;  do.  30 ;  do.  19.— Total  62. 

RECAPITULATION — killed  55  ;  wounded  176;  missing  93 — Grand 
total,  324. 


NEW  ORLEANS,  January  27th,  1815. 

SIR, 

The  enemy  having  retreated,  as  I  had  the  honour  to  inform 
vou  by  my  letter  of  the  2Cth  instant,  I  have  the  pleasing  duty 
only  of  reporting  to  you,  that  during  the  late  most  eventful  strug 
gle*  for  the  preservation  of  this  important  portion  of  the  United 
States,  I  have  received  from  all  the  officers  whom  I  have  the  hon 
our  to  command,  every  aid  and  support  which  could  possibly  be 
rendered  ;  they  have  been  exposed  to  extraordinary  hardships, 
both  by  day  and  night,  to  all  the  changes  of  this  unstable  clime, 
in  this  inclement  season  of  the  vear,  performing  the  most  ardu 
ous  duties  on  shore,  out  of  the  line  of  their  profession,  indepen 
dent  of  their  ordinary  duties  ;  and  all  has  been  borne  and  execu 
ted  with  a  cheerfulness  and  alacrity  that  reflects  upon  them  the 
highest  credit ;  and  that  the  unwearied  exertions  of  the  small 
naval  force  on  this  station,  from  the  first  appearance  of  the  ene 
my,  has  contributed,  in  a  great  degree,  to  his  expulsion,  is  freely 
acknowledged  by  the  gallant  general  commanding  the  land  for 
ces,  and  will  be,  I  trust,  by  all  who  have  witnessed  their  endea 
vours  to  effect  the  end,  which  has  so  happily  and  with  so  little 
loss,  been  accomplished.  It  affords  me  great  pleasure  to  have  in 
all  cases  co-operated  with  the  army,  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of 
their  commander. 

Captain  Henley  merits  my  acknowledgments  for  his  unremit- 
ted  attention  to  the  execution  of  the  various  duties  committed  to 
him,  particularly  the  superintendance  of  the  erection  of  two  bat 
teries  on  the  bayou  St.  John,  and  one  opposite  the  city.  His  gal 
lant  conduct  on  the  night  of  the  23d  ultimo,  as  already  detailed, 
(the  fire  from  the  Caroline  proving,  as  I  have  since  learned,  truly 
destructive  to  the  enemy,  and  producing  disorder,  and  confusion 
in  their  troops,  giving  to  our  army  a  manifest  advantage)  and  for 
the  able  assistance  I  received  from  him  when  serving  at  the  ma 
rine  battery  erected  by  me  on  the  right  bank  of  the  river,  where 
he  remained  till  the  departure  of  the  enemy. 


462 

To  lieutenant  Lewis  Alexis,  commanding  the  naval  arsei  al  at 
this  place,  I  am  greatly  indebted  for  his  indefatigable  exertions 
to  furnish  the  various  munitions,  &c.  which  were  constantly  re 
quired  lor  the  navy,  army,  and  militia,  and  which  were  furnished 
with  a  promptitude  and  correctness  that  reflect  upon  him  and 
those  under  his  immediate  command,  as  named  in  the  accompany 
ing  copy  of  a  letter  from  him,  the  greatest  credit — his  services 
and  merit  entitle  him  to  the  notice  of  the  department. 

Great  credit  is  also  due  to  lieutenant  Charles  C.  B.  Thompson, 
for  his  great  exertions  in  fitting  his  ship  for  service,  with  a  crew 
obtained  by  coercion  from  the  streets  of  the  city,  composed  of  all 
nations,  (finglish  excepted)  two-thirds  of  whom  could  not  speak 
or  understand  English,  for  the  spirited  fire  supported  by  his  ship 
on  the  28th  ultimo,  and  his  continued  endeavours  to  annoy  the 
enemy  when  they  approached  within  the  range  of  his  guns,  his 
prompt  execution  01  my  orders,  particularly  in  landing  the  guns 
from  liis  ship,  transporting  them  to  my  battery,  and  his  attention 
in  supplying  the  battery  with  ammunition  from  his  ship,  in  whose 
magazine  it  was  deposited.  To  the  accompanying  letter  from 
him,  I  beg  leave  to  refer  for  a  detailed  account  of  the  merits  of 
his  officers,  all  of  whom  merit  the  encomiums  passed  on  them. 

Lieutenant  Otho  Norris,  acting  lieutenant  Crawley,  Messrs. 
E.  Watkins,  and  J.  Pelott,  midshipmen,  and  William  Livings 
ton,  master's  mate,  who  were  stationed  at  the  heavy  cannon  in 
general  Jackson's  lines,  and  named  in  the  letter  which  accom 
panies  this,  have,  by  their  gallant  conduct,  reflected  upon  the  na 
vy  great  credit,  and  warranted  my  highest  approbation. 

Acting  lieutenant  Thomas  S.  Cunningham,  commanding  gun 
vessel  No.  65,  stationed  at  fort  Saint  Philip,  solicited  and  obtain 
ed  the  command  of  two  32  pounders,  which  are  mounted  in  the 
most  exposed  situation  at  that  fort,  being  outside  the  walls,  which 
he  manned  with  his  crew  and  rendered  great  service  to  the  office* 
commanding  at  that  post,  during  the  heavy  bombardment  by  the 
enemy  from  the  8th  to  the  17th  instant, 

Mr.  Thomas  Shields,  purser  of  the  station,  and  doctor  Robert 
Morrell,  attached  to  the  marine  corps,  (who  volunteered  his  ser- 
^  ices  in  any  way  they  could  be  useful)  and  who  were  sent  by  me 
with  a  flag  of  truce  to  the  enemy  on  the  15th  ultimo,  supported 
with  becoming  dignity  their  stations,  and  commanded  from  the 
enemy  that  respect  which  was  due  to  them  and  their  mission, 
during  their  detention  by  the  enemy,  prolonged  beyond  what  I  could 
have  possibly  expected," and  have  merited,  in  a  special  manner,  my 
approbation.  Of  those  officers,  and  Mr.  Richard  Dealey,  sailing 
master,  whose  gallant  conduct  during  their  subsequent  successful 
expedition,  (a  detailed  account  of  which  you  will  herewith  re 
ceive)  reflects  upon  them  the  greatest  credit,  and  merits  the  par 
ticular  notice  of  the  department. 

Doctor  Lewis  Heerman,  hospital  surgeon,  who,  with  my  sanc 
tion,  volunteered  his  services  to  aid  the  husfitai  surgeon  of  the 


463 

army  in  the  various  duties  devolving  upon  him,  from  the  number  of 
our  own  sick,  and  the  wounded  of  the  enemy,  is  thereby,  and  from 
his  uniform  attention  to  his  professional  duties,  entitled  to  my 
acknowledgments,  as  are  all  the  officers  of  the  medical  department, 
l^or  the  particulars  of  his  services,  I  refer  you  to  the  letter  to  him 
which  you  will  herewith  receive. 

Mr.  'John  K.  Smith,  navy  agent,  has,  by  his  unremitted  attention 
to  his  department,  the  promptitude  with  which  he  has  furnished 
articles  for  both  the  navy  and  the  army,  and  procuring  me  the 
funds  that  were  necessary  during  this  period  of  alarm  and  confu 
sion,  enabled  me  to  carry  on  my  operations  in  conjunction  with 
the  army  against  the  enemy,  and  contributed  to  that  success  with 
which  the  arms  of  the  United  States  have  been  crowned,  and  will 
receive  my  warmest  thanks.  His  services  rendered  in  camp  will 
be  seen  by  the  enclosed  copy  of  a  letter  from  the  commanding 
general,  of  the  19th  instant. 

To  major  Carmick,  commanding  the  marine  corps  on  this  sta 
tion,  I  am  indebted  for  the  promptness  with  which  my  requisitions 
on  him  have  been  complied  with,  and  the  strong  desire  he  has 
always  manifested  to  further,  as  far  as  was  in  nis  power,  my 
views. 

Mr.  R.  D.  Shepherd,  who  very  handsomely  volunteered  his  ser 
vices  to  me,  and  acted  as  my  aid -de-camp,  and  rendered  me  very 
essential  assistance  by  the  uniform  promptitude  with  which  he 
bore  and  executed  my  various  orders,  merits  my  warmest  ac 
knowledgments  . 

Mr.  J.  B.  Nevitt,  of  Natchez,  formerly  a  lieutenant  in  the 
navy,  who  left  his  home  and  proffered  to  me  his  services,  has  ren 
dered  me  important  assistance  from  his  practical  knowledge,  and 
which  I  acknowledge  with  much  pleasure. 

My  petty  officers,  seamen  and  marines,  performed  their  duties 
to  my  entire  satisfaction. 

I  beg  leave,  sir,  to  solicit  a  confirmation  of  their  present  rank, 
for  the  different  officers  named  herein  and  in  the  accompanying 
letters,  acting  by  appointment,  as  also  for  acting  lieutenants  Spee- 
den  and  M'Keever,  and  to  recommend  them  all  as  meriting,  in  a 
special  manner,  the  notice  of  the  department. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

DANIEL  T.  PATTERSON. 

Hon.  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 


Extract  of  a  letter  from  general  Jackson  to  the  Secretary  of  War. 

"HEAD  QUARTERS  7th  MILITARY  DISTRICT, 

"New  Orleans,  February  17th,  1815. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  enclose  you  major  Overtoil's  report  of 
the  attack  of  Fort  St  Philip,  and  of  the  manner  in  which  it  was 


464 

"The  conductof  that  officer  and  of  those  who  acted  under  him, 
merits,  I  think,  great  praise.  They  nailed  their  own  colors  to 
the  standard,  and  placed  those  of  the  enemy  underneath  them, 
determined  never  to  surrender  the  fort." 


FORT  St.  PHILIP,  January  19th,  1815. 

.SIR, 

On  the  1st  of  the  present  month,  I  received  the  information 
that  the  enemy  intended  passing  this  fort,  to  co-operate  with  their 
land  forces,  in  the  subjugation  of  Louisiana,  and  the  destruction 
of  New  Orleans.  To  effect  this  with  more  facility,  they  were 
first  with  their  heavy  bomb  vessels  to  bombard  this  place  into  com 
pliance.  On  the  grounds  of  this  information,  I  turned  my  atten  - 
tion  to  the  security  of  my  command.  I  erected  small  magazines 
in  different  parts  of  the  garrison,  that  if  one  blew  up  I  could  re 
sort  to  another ;  built  covers  for  my  men  to  secure  them  from  the 
explosion  of  the  shells,  and  removed  the  combustible  matter  with 
out  the  works.  Early  in  the  day  of  the  8th  instant,  I  was  advised 
of  their  approach,  and  on  the  9th,  at  a  quarter  past  10  A.  M.  hove 
in  sight  two  bomb  vessels,  one  sloop,  one  brig  and  one  schooner ; 
they  anchored  two  and  one  quarter  miles  below.  At  half  past  1 1 
and  at  half  past  12,  they  advanced  two  barges  apparently  for  the 
purpose  of  sounding  within  one  and  a  half  miles  of  the  fort ;  at 
this  moment,  I  ordered  my  water  battery,  under  the  command  of 
lieutenant  Cunningham,  of  the  navy,  to  open  upon  them  :  its  well 
directed  shot  caused  a  precipitate  retreat.  At  half  past  3  o'clock 
P.  M.  the  enemy's  bomb  vessels  opened  their  fire  from  four  sea 
mortars,  two  of  13  inches,  two  of  10,  and  to  my  great  mortifica 
tion  I  found  they  were  without  the  effective  range  of  my  shot,  as 
many  subsequent  experiments  proved ;  they  continued  their  fire 
with  little  intermission,  during  the  10th,  llth,  12th,  13th,  14th, 
15th,  16th  and  17th.  I  occasionally  opened  my  batteries  on  them 
with  great  vivacity,  particularly  when  they  showed  a  disposition 
to  change  their  position. 

On  the  17th,  in  the  evening,  our  heavy  mortar  was  said  to  be 
in  readiness.  I  ordered  that  excellent  officer,  captain  Wolston- 
craft,  of  the  artillerists,  who  previously  had  charge  of  it,  to  open 
a  fire,  which  was  done  with  great  effect,  as  the  enemy  from  that 
motion  became  disordered,  and  at  day  light,  on  the  18th,  com 
menced  their  retreat,  after  having  thrown  upwards  of  a  thousand 
heavy  shells,  oesides  shells  from  howitzers,  round  shot  and  grape, 
which  he  discharged  from  boats  under  cover  of  the  night. 

Our  loss  in  this  affair  has  been  uncommonly  small,  owing  entire 
ly  to  the  great  pains  that  were  taken  by  the  different  officers  to 
keep  their  men  undercover;  as  the  enemy  left  scarcely  ten  feet  of 
this  garrison  untouched* 

The  officers  and  soldiers  through  this  whole  affair,  although 
nine  davs  and  nights  under  arms  in  the  different  batteries,  the 


465 

consequent  fatigue  and  loss  of  sleep,  have  manifested  the  great 
est  firmness  and  the  most  zealous   warmth  to  be  at  the  enemy. 
To  distinguish  individuals  would  be  a  delicate  task,  as  merit  was 
conspicuous  every  where.    Lieutenant  Cunningham,  of  the  navy, 
who  commanded  my  water  battery,  with  his  brave  crew,  evinced 
the  most  determined  bravirjr  and  uncommon  activity  throughout, 
and  in  fact,  sir,  the  only  thing  to  be  regretted  is  that  the  enemy 
was  too  timid  to  give  us  an  opportunity  of  destroying  him. 
I  herewith  enclose  you  a  list  of  the  killed  and  wounded.      ••   . 
I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully, 

W.  H.  OVERTON. 
Major  general  Jackson. 

Killed  2  and  wounded  7  during  the  bombardment  on  fort 
St.  Philip,  commencing  on  the  9th  and  ending  on  the  18th  Jan- 
wary,  1815. 


ADDRESS 

Of  Major  General  Jackson  on  the  Sth  of  January,  1815,  to  th% 
troops  on  the  right  bank  of  the  Mississippi. 

While,  by  the  blessing  of  heaven,  one  of  the  most  brilliant 
victories  was  obtained  by  the  troops  under  my  immediate  com 
mand,  no  words  can  express  the  mortification  I  felt,  at  witnessing 
the  scene  exhibited  on  the  opposite  bank.*  I  will  spare  your 
feelings  and  my  own,  nor  enter  into  detail  on  the  subject.  To 
all  who  reflect,  it  must  be  a  source  of  eternal  regret,  that  a  few 
moments'  exertion  of  that  courage  you  certainly  possess,  was 
alone  wanting,  to  have  rendered  your  success  more  complete 
than  that  of  your  fellow  citizens  in  this  camp.  To  what  cause 
was  the  abandonment  of  your  lines  owing  ?  To  fear  ?  No  !  You 
are  the  countrymen,  the  friends,  the  brothers  of  those  who  have 
secured  to  themselves,  by  their  courage,  the  gratitude  of  their 
country ;  who  have  been  prodigal  of  their  blood  in  its  defence, 
and  who  are  strangers  to  any  other  fear  than  disgrace.  To  disaf 
fection  to  our  glorious  cause  ?  No!  My  countrymen,  your  general 
does  justice  to  the  pure  sentiments  by  which  vou  are  inspired. 
How  then  could  brave  men,  firm  in  the  cause  in  which  they  are 
enrolled,  neglect  their  first  duty,  and  abandon  the  post  committed 
to  their  care?  The  want  of  discipline,  the  want  of  order,  a  total 
disregard  to  obedience,  and  a  spirit  of  insubordination,  not  less  de 
structive  than  cowardice  itself,  are  the  causes  that  led  to  this  dis 
aster,  and  they  must  be  eradicated,  or  I  must  cease  to  command. 
I  desire  to  be  distinctly  understood,  that  every  breach  of  orders, 

*  Commodore  Patterson  and  general  Morgan  at  the  moment  attributed 
the  disaster  to  the  flight  of  the  Kentucky  militia,  which  proved  on  investiga- 
tion  not  Jo  be  the  fact.  Had  all  the  circumstances,  as  they  existed,  been  dU 
closed,  they  would  not  have  been  reproached  by  general  Jackson. 


466 

all  want  of  discipline,  every  inattention  of  duty,  will  be  seriously 
and  promptly  punished ;  that  the  attentive  officers,  and  good  sol 
diers,  may  not  be  mentioned  in  the  disgrace  and  danger,  which 
the  negligence  of  a  few  may  produce.  Soldiers !  you  want  only  the 
will,  in  order  to  emulate  the  glory  of  your  fellow  citizens  on  this 
bank  of  the  river.  You  have  the  same  motives  for  action ;  the  same 
interest,  the  same  country  to  protect;  and  you  have  an  addition 
al  interest,  from  past  events,  to  wipe  off  reproach,  and  show  that 
you  will  not  be  inferior,  in  the  day  of  trial,  to  any  of  your  coun 
trymen. 

But  remember !  without  obedience,  without  order,  without  dis 
cipline,  all  your  efforts  are  vain.  The  brave  man,  ^inattentive  to 
his  duty,  is  worth  little  more  to  his  country  than  the  coward  who 
deserts  her  in  the  hour  of  danger.  Private  opinions,  as  to  the 
competency  of  officers,  must  not  be  indulged,  and  still  less  ex 
pressed  ;  it  is  impossible  that  the  measures  of  those  who  command 
should  satisfy  all  who  are  bound  to  obey ;  and  one  of  the  most 
dangerous  faults  in  a  soldier,  is  a  disposition  to  criticise  and  blame 
the  orders  and  characters  of  his  superiors.  Soldiers !  I  know 
that  many  of  you  have  done  your  duty ;  and  I  trust,  in  future,  I 
shall  have  no  reason  to  make  any  exception.  Officers !  I  have  the 
fullest  confidence  that  you  will  enforce  obedience  to  your  com 
mands  ;  but,  above  all,  that  by  subordination  in  your  different 
grades,  you  will  set  an  example  to  your  men  ;  and  that,  hereafter, 
he  army  of  the  right  will  yield  to  none,  in  the  essential  qualities 
which  characterize  good  soldiers ; — that  they  will  earn  their  share 
of  those  honours  and  rewards,  which  their  country  will  prepare 
for  its  deliverers. 

ANDREW  JACKSON, 

Major  General  Commanding 


ADDRESS 

Delivered  to  major  general  Jlndrew  Jackson,  by  the  reverend  Jf. 
Dubourg,  administrator  apostolic  of  the  diocese  of  Louisiana. 

NEW  ORLEANS,  January  23d,  1815. 
GENERAL, 

While  the  state  of  Louisiana,  in  the  joyful  transports  of  her 
gratitude,  hails  you  as  her  deliverer,  and  the  jisserter  of  her  me 
naced  liberties  :  while  grateful  America,  so  lately  wrapped  up  in 
anxious  suspense,  on  the  fate  of  this  important  city,  is  re-echoing 
from  shore  to  shore  your  splendid  achievements,  and  preparing  to 
inscribe  your  name  on  her  immortal  rolls,  among  those  of  her 
Washingtons  :  while  history,  poetry,  and  the  monumental  arts, 
will  vie  in  consigning  to  the  latest  posterity,  a  triumph  perhaps 
unparalleled  in  their  records  :  while  thus  raised,  by  universal  ac 
clamation,  to  the  very  pinnacle  of  fame,  how  easy  had  it  been  for 


you,  general,  to  forget  the  prime  mover  of  your  wonderful  sue 
cesses,  and  to  assume  to  yourself  a  praise,  which  must  eventually 
return  to  that  exalted  source,  whence  every  merit  is  derived* 
But  better  acquainted  with  the  nature  of  true  glory,  and  justly 
placing  the  summit  of  your  ambition,  in  approving  vourself  the 
worthy  instrument  of  Heaven's  merciful  designs,  the  first  impulse 
of  your  religious  heart  was  to  acknowledge  the  signal  interposi~ 
t ion  of  providence— -your  first  step,  a  solemn  display  of  your  hum 
ble  sense  of  his  favours. 

Still  agitated  at  the  remembrance  of  those  dreadful  agonies, 
from  which  we  have  been  so  miraculously  rescued,  it  is  our  pride 
to  acknowledge,  that  the  Almighty  has  truly  had  the  principal 
hand  in  our  deliverance,  and,  to  follow  you,  general,  in  attributing 
to  his  infinite  goodness,  the  homage  of  our  unfeigned  gratitude. 
Let  the  infatuated  votarvof  a  blind  chance  deride  our  credulous 
simplicity ;  let  the  cold  hearted  atheist  look  for  the  explanation 
of  important  events,  to  the  mere  concatenation  of  human  causes  ; 
to  us,  the  whole  universe  is  loud  in  proclaiming  a  Supreme  Ru 
ler,  who,  as  he  holds  the  hearts  of  man  in  his  hands,  holds  also  the 
thread  of  all  contingent  occurrences.  "  Whatever  be  his  inter 
mediate  agent*,"  says  an  illustrious  prelate,  "  still  on  the  ^ecret 
orders  of  his  all-ruling  providence,  depend  the  rise,  and  prosper 
ity /as  well  as  the  decline  and  downfal  of  empires.  From,  hie 
lofty  throne,  he  moves  every  scene  below,  now  curbing,  now  ;let- 
ting  loose,  the  passions  of  men;  now  infusing  his  own  wisdom 
into  the  leaders  of  nations ;  now  confounding  their  boasted  p.ru- 
dence,  and  spreading  upon  their  councils  a  spirit  of  intoxication  J 
and  thus  executing  his  uncontrollable  judgments  on  the  sons  o/ 
men,  according  to  the  dictates  of  his  own  unerring  justice." 

To  him  therefore,  our  most  fervent  thanks  are  due,  for  our  un 
expected  late  rescue.  It  is  him  we  intend  to  praise,  when  consi« 
dering  you,  general,  as  the  man  of  his  right  hand,  whom  he  haa 
taken  pains  to  fit  out  for  the  important  commission  of  our  defence. 
We  extol  that  fecundity  of  genius,  by  which,  under  the  most  dis 
couraging  distress,  you  created  unforeseen  resources,  raised,  as 
it  were,  from  the  ground,  hosts  of  intrepid  warriors,  and  pro 
vided  every  vulnerable  point  with  ample  means  of  defence.  To 
him  we  trace  that  instinctive  superiority  of  mind,  which  at 
once  rallied  around  your  universal  confidence;  impressed  one 
irresistible  movement  to  all  the  jarring  elements  of  which  this 
political  machine  is  composed ;  aroused  their  slumbering  spirits, 
and  diffused  through  every  rank  the  noble  ardour  which  glowed 
in  your  own  bosom.  To/iim,  in  fine,  we  address  our  acknowledg 
ments  for  that  consummate  prudence,  which  defeated  all  the 
combinations  of  a  sagacious  enemy,  entangled  him  in  the  very 
snares  which  he  had  spread  for  us,  and  succeeded  in  effecting  his 
utter  destruction,  without  exposing  the  lives  of  our  citizens.  Im 
mortal  thanks  be  to  his  Supreme  Majesty,  for  sending  us  such  an 
instrument  of  his  bountiful  designs  !  A  gift  of  that  value  is  the 


best  token  of  the  continuance  of  his  protection  —  the  most  solid 
encouragement  to  sue  for  new  favours.  The  first  which  it  em 
boldens  us  humbly  to  supplicate,  as  nearest  our  throbbing  hearts, 
is  that  you  may  long  enjoy  the  honour  of  your  grateful  country  ; 
of  which  you  will  permit  us  to  present  you  a  pledge,  in  this  wreath 
of  laurel,  the  prize  of  victory,  the  symbol  of  immortality.  The 
next  is  a  speedy  and  honourable  termination  of  the  bloody  con 
test,  in  which  we  are  engaged.  No  one  has  so  efficaciously  labour 
ed  as  you,  general,  for  the  acceleration  of  that  blissful  period  : 
Jnay  we  soon  reap  that  sweetest  fruit  of  your  splendid  and  unin 
terrupted  victories. 

GENERAL  JACKSON'S  REPLY. 

REVEREND  SIR, 

I  receive,  with  gratitude  and  pleasure,  the  symbolical  crown, 
which  piety  has  prepared.  I  receive  it  in  the  name  of  the  brave 
men  who  have  so  effectually  seconded  my  exertions  ;  they  will 
deserve  the  laurels  which  their  country  will  bestow.  For  myself, 
to  ha;ve  been  instrumental  in  the  deliverance  of  such  a  country, 
is  the  greatest  blessing  that  Heaven  could  confer.  That  it  has 
beeM  effected  with  so  little  loss  —  that  so  few  should  cloud  the 
smifles  of  our  triumph,  and  not  a  cypress  leaf  be  interwoven  in  the 
which  you  present,  is  a  source  of  the  most  exquisite  plea- 


jr  I  thank  you,  reverend  sir,  most  sincerely,  for  the  prayers  which 
/you  offer  up  for  my  happiness.  May  those  your  patriotism  dic 
tates,  for  our  beloved  «ountry,  be  first  heard  ;  and  may  mine  for 
your  individual  prosperity,  as  well  as  that  of  the  congregation 
committed  to  your  care,  be  favourably  received  —  the  prosperity, 
wealth,  and  happiness  of  this  city,  will  then  be  commensurate 
with  the  courage  and  other  qualities  of  its  inhabitants. 

NEW  ORLEANS,  March  20th,  1815. 

SIR, 

I  have  the  honour,  agreeably  to  your  request,  to  state  to  your 
excellency,  in  writing,  the  substance  of  a  conversation  that  oc 
curred  between  quarter  master  Perrie  of  the  British  army,  and 
myself,  on  the  llth  instant,  on  board  his  Britannic  majesty's  ship 
Herald.  Quarter  master  Perrie  observed,  that  the  commanding 
officers  of  the  British  forces  were  daily  in  the  receipt  of  every 
information  from  New  Orleans,  which  they  might  require,  in  aid 
of  their  operations,  for  the  completion  of  the  objects  of  the  ex 
pedition  ;  that  they  were  perfectly  acquainted  with  the  situation 
of  every  part  of  our  forces,  the  manner  in  which  the  same  was 
situated,  the  number  of  our  fortifications,  their  strength,  position, 
&c.  As  to  the  battery  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Mississippi,  he 
described  its  situation,  its  distance  from  the  main  post,  and 


40» 

promptly  offered  me  a  plan  of  the  works.  He  furthermore  stated, 
that  the  above  information  was  received  from  seven  or  eight  per 
sons  in  the  city  of  New  Orleans,  from  whom  he  could,  at  any  hour, 
procure  every  information  necessary  to  promote  his  majesty"? 
interest. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

CHARLES  K.  BLANCHARD. 
To  Major  General  Jackson. 


GENERAL  JACKSON'S  Farewell  address  to  his  army. 

The  major  general  is  at  length  enabled  to  perforjn  the  pleasing 
task  of  restoring  to  Tenness.ee,  Kentucky,  Louisiana,  and  the 
territory  of  the  Mississippi,  the  brave  troops  who  have  acted  such 
a  distinguished  part  in  the  war  which  has  just  terminated.  In 
restoring  these  brave  men  to  their  homes,  much  exertion  is  expect 
ed  of,  and  great  responsibility  imposed  on,  the  commanding  officers 
of  the  different  corps.  It  is  required  of  major  generals  Carroll 
and  Thomas,  and  brigadier  general  Coffee,  to  march  their  com 
mands,  without  unnecessary  delay,  to  their  respective  states.  The 
troops  frtfm  the  Mississippi  territory  and  state  of  Louisiana,  both 
militia  and  volunteers,  will  be  immediately  mustered  out  of  service, 
paid,  and  discharged. 

The  major  general  has  the  satisfaction  of  announcing  the  appro 
bation  of  the  President  of  the  United  States  to  the  conduct  of  the 
troops  under  his  command,  expressed,  in  flattering  terms,  through 
the  honourable  the  Secretary  of  War. 

In  parting  with  those  brave  men,  whose  destinies  have  been  so 
long  united  with  his  own,  and  in  whose  labors  and  glories  it  is  his 
happiness  and  his  boast  to  have  participated,  the  commanding 
general  can  neither  suppress  his  feelings,  nor  give  utterance  to 
them  as  he  ought.  In  what  terms  can  he  bestow  suitable  praise 
on  merit  so  extraordinary,  so  unparalleled?  Let  him,  in  one 
burst  of  joy,  gratitude,  and  exultation,  exclaim,  "  These  are  the 
saviours  of  their  country ;  these  the  patriot  soldiers,  who  triumph 
ed  over  the  invincibles  of  Wellington,  and  conquered  the  con 
querors  of  Europe  !"  With  wkat  patience  did  you  submit  to 
privations — with  what  fortitude  did  you  endure  fatigue — what 
valor  did  you  display  in  the  day  of  battle  !  You  have  secured  to 
America  a  proud  name  among  the  nations  of  the  earth  ;  a  glory 
which  will  never  perish. 

Possessing  those  dispositions  which  equally  adorn  the  citizen 
and  the  soldier,  the  expectations  of  your  country  will  be  met  in 
peace,  as  her  wishes  have  been  gratified  in  war.  Go,  then,  my 
brave  companions,  to  your  homes ;  to  those  tender  connexions, 
and  blissful  scenes,  which  render  life  so  dear — full  of  honour,  and 
crowned  with  laurels  that  will  never  fade.  When  participating, 


470 

in  the  bosoms  of  your  families,  the  enjoyment  of  peaceful  life,  with 
what  happiness  will  you  not  look  back  to  the  toils  you  have  borne— 
to  the  dangers  you  have  encountered  ?  How  will  all  your  past 
exposures  be  converted  into  sources  of  inexpressible  delight? 
Who,  that  never  experienced  your  sufferings,  will  be  able  to  ap 
preciate  your  jojs  ?  The  man  who  slumbered  ingloriously  at  home, 
during  your  painful  marches,  your  nights  of  watchfulness,  and 
your  days  of  toil,  will  envy  you  the  happiness  which  these  recol 
lections  will  afford  ;  still  more  will  he  envy  the  gratitude  of  that 
country,  which  you  have  so  eminently  contributed  to  save. 

Continue,  fellow-soldiers,  on  your  passage  to  your  several  des 
tinations,  to  preserve  that  subordination,  that  dignified  and  manly 
deportment,  which  have  so  ennobled  your  character. 

While  the  commanding  general  is  thus  giving  indulgence  to  his 
feelings,  towards  those  brave  companions,  who  accompanied  him 
through  difficulties  and  danger,  he  cannot  permit  the  names  of 
Blount,  and  Shelby,  and  Holmes,  to  pass  unnoticed.  With 
what  generous  ardour  and  patriotism  have  these  distinguished  go 
vernors  contributed  all  their  exertions,  to  provide  the  means  of 
victory !  The  recollection  of  their  exertions,  and  of  the  success 
which  has  resulted,  will  be  to  them  a  reward  more  grateful  than 
any  which  the  pomp  of  title,  or  the  splendour  of  wealth,  can 
bestow. 

What  happiness  it  is  to  the  commanding  general,  that,  while 
danger  was  before  him,  he  was,  on  no  occasion,  compelled  to  use, 
towards  his  companions  in  arms,  either  severity  or  rebuke.  If, 
after  the  enemy  had  retired,  improper  passions  began  their  empire 
in  a  few  unworthy  bosoms,  and  rendered  a  resort  to  energetic 
measures  necessary  for  their  suppression,  he  has  not  confounded 
the  innocent  with  the  guilty — the  seduced  with  the  seducers. 
Towards  you,  fellow-soldiers,  the  most  cheering  recollections  exist, 
blended,  alas !  with  regret,  that  disease  and  war  should  have  ra 
vished  from  us  so  many  worthy  companions.  But  the  memory  of 
the  cause  in  which  they  perished,  and  of  the  virtues  which  anima 
ted  them  while  living,  must  occupy  the  place  where  sorrow  would 
claim  to  dwell. 

Farewell,  fellow-soldiers.  The  expression  of  your  general's 
thanks  is  feeble ;  but  the  gratitude  of  a  country  of  freemen  is 
yours — yours  the  applause  of  an  admiring  world. 

ANDREW  JACKSON, 

Major  General  Commanding. 
New  Orleans,  March,  1815. 


AFFAIR  AT  POINT  PETRE. 

POINT  PETRE,  GEORGIA,  January  10th,  1815. 

SIR, 

The  collector  having  informed  me  he  was  about  to  despatch 
an  express  to  Savannah  immediately,  I  avail  myself  tf  a  few  mo 


471 

ments  allowed  me  to  apprize  you  of  the  movements  of  the  enemy. 
It  has  just  been  reported  that  he  has  effected  a  landing  on  the  north 
point  of  Cumberland.  A  frigate  is  at  anchor  off  that  point.  As  my 
order  contemplate  a  retreat,  I  have  thought  it  best  to  prepare  in 
time,  and  to  direct  the  assistant  deputy  quarter  master  general  ta 
remove  the  most  of  the  provisions  £of  which  we  have  a  large  sup 
ply)  together  with  all  the  ammunition  except  what  shall  be  neces 
sary  for  immediate  defence  of  the  battery,  and  troops  under  march 
ing  orders,  to  a  safe  point  near  St.  Mary^s.  But  I  hope  to  have 
it  in  my  power  to  give  the  enemy  a  brush  before  I  leave  the 
ground.  I  have  had  an  interview  with  colonel  Scott  of  the  Geor 
gia  militia.  He  promises,  in  the  event  of  an  attack  of  my  post, 
to  co-operate.  I  advised  him  to  take  post  at  Sweet  Water  branch, 
should  the  enemy  attack  me  in  my  rear.  This  will  place  him 
between  two  fires.  Colonel  Scott  thinks  he  can  bring  two  hun 
dred  men  with  him ;  if  so,  we  shall  do  something, 

Very  respectfully,  &c. 
A.  A.  MASSIAS,  Capt.  U.  S.  Rifle  Corps. 

comdg.  U.  8.  forces  near  St.  Mary's. 
Brigadier  general  Floyd. 


KING'S  BAY,  12  O'CLOCK,  January  llth,  1815. 
SIR, 

I  deem  it  expedient  to  apprize  you  of  the  movements  of  the 
enemy,  by  express.  They  effected  a  landing  on  the  north  point  of 
Cumberland  Island  this  morning.  This  moment  two  divisions, 
with  nineteen  barges,  attended  by  two  look-out  boats  in  front,  and 
flanked  by  two  large  boats  mounting  one  gun  each,  are  passing 
within  my  view.  At  first  they  discovered  a  disposition  towards 
King's  Bay ;  but  ascertaining  we  were  prepared  to  receive  them, 
they  altered  their  course  and  took  the  Plumb  Orchard  passage, 
keeping  Cumberland  close  aboard.  The  first  division  effected  its 
landing  at  Plumb  Orchard,  the  second  at  first  shewed  a  disposition 
towards  the  point.  The  officer  left  in  charge  of  the  battery  (at 
the  point)  was  ordered  to  be  on  the  look  out  and  not  to  let  him 
approach  with  impunity,  which  it  appears  he  promptly  obeyed. 
One  of  the  enemy's  barges  went  out  of  line  in  chase  of  a  boat 
making  its  retreat  towards  St.  Mary's,  but  on  receiving  a  shot 
from  a  long  eighteen  which  came  rather  too  near  him,  he  gave  up 
the  chase. 

A.  A.  MASSIAS. 

Brigadier  general  Floyd. 


POINT  PETRE,  3  O'CLOCK,  P.  M.  January  llth,  1815. 

We  are  now  against  the  Point.    Sixteen  of  the  enemy's  barges 
•f  the  largest  siz«  have  passed  to  Dunginesi  and  have  landed.    I 


47« 

compute  his  force  to  be  about  fifteen  hundred  white  and  black. 
Their  fleet  is  now  beating  off  and  on  St.  Andrew's  bar,  at  which 
end  they  came  i;i. 

It  was  my  intention  at  first  to  receive  them  at  Cabin  Bluff  with 
riflemen.  This  could  have  been  done  with  much  advantage,  but 
it  seems  they  were  apprized  of  our  intention,  and  altered  their 
course  for  the  other  side  and  took  the  Plumb  Orchard  passage. 

We  are  now  at  the  point,  and  on  the  alert,  waiting  an  attack, 
which  I  expect  momently.  I  shall  do  my  best  in  the  event  of  a 
retreat.  The  assistant  deputy  quarter  master  general  has  been 
ordered  to  place  a  supply  of  ammunition  and  provisions  at  a  post 
in  my  rear  (selected  by  myself.)  The  men  have  always  four 
days'  provisions  in  advance  (cooked  and  in  their  havresacks)  and 
ready  to  move  to  any  point  at  a  moment's  warning.  I  have  the 
pleasure  to  anticipate  the  best  of  conduct  from  the  officers  and 
men  under  my  command.  Though  few,  they  are  well  chosen; 
they  discover  great  eagerness  for  battle.  They  behaved  well  this 
morning  in  preparing  to  receive  the  enemy  at  King's  Bay. 

Very  resp'ectfully,  &c. 

A.  A.  MASSIAS, 

comdg.  U.  8.  troops,  St.  Mary's  station. 
Brigadier  general  Floyd. 


SWEET  WATER  BRANCH,  January  13th,  1815. 
SIR, 

The  enemy  moved  against  Point  Petre  this  morning,  at  half 
past  7  o'clock,  with  his  whole  force  (about  fifteen  hundred.)  'His 
operations  were  simultaneous.  At  an  early  hour  this  morning  I 
received  information  of  his  approach  on  my  picket,  near  major 
Johnson's,  about  four  and  a  half  miles  from  this  point,  with  about 
eight  hundred  to  a  thousand  men,  a  rocket  machine,  and  two  pieces 
of  artillery  :  aware  of  his  intentions  to  place  himself  in  my  rear, 
while  he  at  the  same  moment  was  advancing  in  considerable  force 
in  front  (about  six  hundred)  to  attack  the  battery  at  Point  Petre 
(on  the  St.  Man's)  with  an  evident  view  to  cut  off  my  retreat;  I 
accordingly  made  the  following  disposition  of  mybrave  little  force. 
I  ordered  captain  Stallings  to  remain  at  the  point,  with  about 
thirty-six  effectives,  with  orders  to  defend  it  as  long  as  possible, 
and  if  overpowered,  to  spike  the  guns,  fire  the  train  (already  pre 
pared  at  the  magazine  and  works)  and  retreat  to  me,  with  the 
remainder,  (about  80  men,  riflemen  and  infantry.)  I  moved  out 
against  the  main  force  in  the  rear,  determined  to  oppose  his  pas 
sage  to  the  point,  at  a  narrow  defile  near  major  King's,  and  make 
good  our  retreat  (if  it  should  be  found  necessary)  at  all  hazards. 
At  about  9  o'clock  we  came  up  with  the  defile,  near  major  King's 
and  Johnson's  ;  it  is  flanked  by  a  deep  marsh  on  each  side,  and  hag 
a  complete  cover  for  riflemen  (in  a  thick  live  oak  underwood)  OR 
the  right  and  left ;  the  evening  previous  (at  a  late  hour)  I  had 


473 

caused  some  large  trees  to  be  fallen  and  placed  across  the  defile 
in  several  places,  with  a  view  to  obstruct  his  passage  as  much  as 
possible.  As  we  entered  the  defile  at  one  end,  the  enemy  did  so 
at  the  other.  It  was  my  intention  (if  possible)  to  gain  the  cross 
roads  near  Major  King's ;  but  finding  myself  stopped,  I  ordered 
1st  lieutenant  Holt,  of  the  43d  infantry,  with  a  detachment  of 
riflemen,  to  advance  and  gain  the  thicket  on  the  enemy's  left ;  at 
the  same  time  1st  lieutenant  Harlee,  of  the  1st  rifle  regiment, 
with  another  detachment  of  riflemen,  was  ordered  to  take  post  in 
the  thicket  on  their  right,  and  to  be  in  readiness  to  pass  the 
thicket  in  the  enemy's  rear :  this  order  was  promptly  obeyed. 
Captain  Tattnall,  of  the  43  infantry,  who  was  with  me  with  the  re 
mainder  (infantry)  was  ordered  to  advance  in  close  column  and 
pass  the  defile.  At  this  moment  the  enemy's  bugle  sounded,  when 
a  brisk  fire  commenced  on  both  sides,  the  riflemen  on  the  right  and 
left  keeping  a  deadly  fire  on  the  enemy,  who  was  in  close  column  ; 
we  had  already  passed  the  defile  some  distance,  and  the  enemy 
had  given  way  twice,  when  captain  Tatnall,  who  stood  near  me, 
received  a  severe  wound  which  obliged  him  to  retire.  This  pro 
duced  a  momentary  pause,  when  the  enemy,  being  encouraged, 
pressed  forward,  but  was  received  with  unequalled  firmness  by 
the  infantry  and  riflemen  with  me.  By  the  absence  of  captain 
Tatnall,  his  platoon  became  in  charge  of  a  serjeant  (Benson,)  from 
whom  I  received  unexampled  support.  But  alas  !  our  efforts  were 
unavailing,  the  number  of  the  enemy  too  imposing,  a  thousand  to 
eighty  was  too  much  odds  :  and  finding  it  impossible  to  maintain 
my  position,  and  believing  the  battery  to  be  in  the  hands  of  the 
enemy,  (as  three  signal  guns  had  been  fired)  it  was  with  reluct- 
tance  I  ordered  a  retreat,  and  which  I  am  happy  to  state  was 
effected  in  good  order. 

We  took  the  path  to  Mrs.  Gordon's  plantation  on  the  North 
River,  at  which  point  I  had  (in  the  event  of  my  not  being  able  to 
maintain  myself  in  my  position  or  pass  by  major  King's,)  previ 
ously  secured  a  large  boat ;  but  this  was  by  some  one  taken  away. 
I  had  then  but  one  resource  left  to  pass  the  North  River  (at  mil 
ler's  Bluff)  in  a  paddling  canoe  ;  upon  which  orders  were  sent  to 
captain  Stallings  to  retreat  to  me,  which  he  promptly  obeyed  ;  the 
enemy  following  close  in  his  rear.  I  have  nevertheless  the  plea 
sure  to  state  we  effected  the  retreat  without  the  loss  of  a  man. 
While  I  lament  the  necessity  of  informing  you  of  the  loss  of  the 
battery  at  Point  Petre,  I  console  myself  witn  the  consciousness  of 
having  done  my  best  for  its  preservation,  and  of  being  peculi 
arly  fortunate  in  making  good  a  retreat  by  many  considered  im 
practicable. 

The  enemy's  loss  must  have  been  considerable.  The  defile 
was  covered  with  blood.  It  is  reported  an  officer  of  distinction, 
wearing  a  pair  of  gold  epaulets,  was  among  their  slain.  Our  loss 
was  very  inconsiderable,  as  will  appear  by  the  report  annexed  to 

60 


474 

this  ;  and  I  have  reason  to  hope  that  some  of  our  men  who  were 
missing  will  yet  join. 

I  should  not  do  justice  to  the  gentlemen  I  had  the  honour  to 
command,  did  I  not  say  they  all  performed  prodigies,  beyond  rea 
sonable  expectation  ;  they  were  equally  brave.  But  if  I  may  be 
allowed  to  discriminate  and  to  recommend  any  to  your  particular 
notice  and  attention,  it  would  be  captain  E.  T.  Tatnall,  of  the  43d 
infantry.  He  was  conspicuous  in  every  act,  and  gave  me  the 
utmost  support. 

I  cannot  but  consider  my  little  band  highly  complimented  by 
the  number  of  the  enemy  thought  necessary  to  bring  against  them. 

Very  respectfully,  &c. 

A.  A.  MASS1AS,  Capt. 
Comdg.  U.  S.  forces,  near  St.  Mary's,  Geo. 
Brig.  Gen.  Floyd. 

In  this  affair  there  was  1  killed,  4  wounded,  and  9  missing. 


GENERAL  JACKSON'S  ADDRESS, 

Mead  at  the  head  of  each  of  the  corps  composing  the  line  beloitr 
New  Orleans,  January  2,1st,  1815. 

CITIZENS  AND  FELLOW  SOLDIERS, 

The  enemy  has  retreated,  and  your  general  has  now  leisure 
to  proclaim  to  the  world  what  he  has  noticed  with  admiration  and 
pride — your  undaunted  courage,  your  patriotism,  and  patience 
under  hardships  and  fatigues.  Natives  of  different  states,  acting 
together  for  the  first  time  in  this  camp,  differing  in  habits  and  in 
language,  instead  of  viewing  in  these  circumstances  the  germ  of 
distrust  and  division,  you  have  made  them  a  source  of  honourable 
emulation,  and  from  the  seeds  of  discord  itself,  have  reaped  the 
fruits  of  an  honourable  union.  This  day  completes  the  fourth 
week  since  fifteen  hundred  of  you  attacked  treble  your  number 
of  men,  who  had  boasted  of  their  discipline,  and  their  services 
under  a  celebrated  leader  in  a  long  and  eventful  war — attacked 
them  in  their  camp  the  moment  they  had  profaned  the  soil  of 
freedom  with  their  hostile  tread,  and  inflicted  a  blow  which  was 
a  prelude  to  the  final  result  of  their  attempt  to  conquer,  or  their 
poor  contrivances  to  divide  us.  A  few  hours  was  sufficient  to 
unite  the  gallant  band,  though  at  the  moment  they  received  the 
welcome  order  to  march,  they  were  separated  many  leagues  in 
different  directions  from  the  city.  The  gay  rapidity  of  the  march, 
the  cheerful  countenances  of  the  officers  and  men,  would  have 
induced  a  belief  that  some  festive  entertainment,  not  the  strife 
of  battle,  was  the  object  to  which  they  hastened  with  so  much  ea 
gerness  and  hilarity.  In  the  conflict  that  ensued,  the  same  spirit 
was  supported,  and  my  communications  to  the  executive  of  the 
United  States  have  testified  the  sense  L  have  entertained  of  the 


475 

merits  of  the  corps  and  officers  that  were  engaged.  Resting  on 
the  field  of  battle,  they  retired  in  perfect  order  on  the  next  morn 
ing  to  these  lines,  destined  to  become  the  scene  of  future  victo 
ries,  which  they  were  to  share  with  the  rest  of  you,  my  brave 
companions  in  arms.  Scarcely  were  your  lines  a  protection  against 
musket  shot,  when,  on  the  28th,  a  disposition  was  made  to  attack 
them  with  all  the  pomp  and  parade  of  military  tactics,  as  improv 
ed  by  those  veterans  of  the  Spanish  war. 

Their  batteries  of  heavy  cannon  kept  up  an  incessant  fire ; 
their  rockets  illumined  the  air,  and  under  their  cover  two  strong 
columns  threatened  our  flanks.  The  foe  insolently  thought  that 
this  spectacle  was  too  imposing  to  be  resisted,  and  in  the  intoxi 
cation  of  his  pride  he  already  saw  our  lines  abandoned  without  a 
contest — how  were  those  menacing  appearances  met?  By  shouts 
of  defiance,  by  a  manly  countenance  not  to  be  shaken  by  the  roar 
of  his  cannon,  by  the  glare  of  his  fire  work  rockets ;  by  an  artil 
lery  served  with  superior  skill  and  with  deadly  effect.  Never, 
my  brave  friends,  can  your  general  forget  the  testimonials  of  at 
tachment  to  our  glorious  cause,  of  indignant  hatred  to  our  foe, 
of  affectionate  confidence  in  your  chief,  that  resounded  from  every 
rank  as  he  passed  along  your  line.  This  animated  and  unexpected 
scene  damped  the  courage  of  the  enemy ;  he  dropped  his  scaling 
ladders  aftd  fascines,  and  the  threatened  attack  dwindled  into  a 
demonstration,  which  served  only  to  show  the  emptiness  of  his 
parade,  and  to  inspire  you  with  a  just  confidence  in  yourselves. 

The  new  year  was  ushered  in  with  the  most  tremendous  fire 
his  whole  artillery  could  produce;  a  few  hours  only,  however, 
were  necessary  for  the  brave  and  skilful  men  who  directed  our 
own,  to  dismount  his  cannon,  destroy  his  batteries,  and  effectively 
silence  his  fire.  Hitherto,  my  brave  friends,  in  the  contests  on 
our  lines,  your  courage  had  been  passive  only ;  you  stood  with 
coolness,  a  fire  that  would  have  tried  the  firmness  of  a  veteran, 
and  you  anticipated  a  nearer  contest  with  an  eagerness  which  was 
soon  to  be  gratified . 

On  the  8th  of  January,  the  final  effort  was  made.  At  the  dawn 
ef  day  the  batteries  opened,  and  the  columns  advanced.  Knowing 
that  the  volunteers  from  Tennessee  and  ihe  militia  from  Kentucky 
were  stationed  on  your  left,  it  was  there  they  directed  their  chiet 
attack, 

Reasoning  always  from  false  principles,  they  expected  no  oppo- 
lition  from  men  whose  officers  even  were  not  in  uniform,  who 
were  ignorant  of  the  rules  and  dress,  and  who  had  never  been 
caned  into  discipline — fatal  mistake  !  a  fire  incessantly  kept  up, 
directed  with  calmness  and  with  unerring  aim,  strewed  the  field 
with  the  bravest  officers  and  men  of  the  column  which  slowly  ad 
vanced,  according  to  the  most  approved  rules  of  European  tac 
tics,  and  M'as  cut  down  by  the  untutored  courage  of  American 
militia.  Unable  to  sustain  this  galling  and  unceasing  fire,  some 
hundreds  nearest  the  entrenchments,  called  for  quarter,  whicli 


476 

was  granted ;  the  rest  retreating,  were  rallied  at  some  distance, 
but  only  to  make  them  a  surer  mark  for  the  grape  and  canister 
shot  of  our  artillery,  which,  without  exaggeration,  mowed  down 
whole  ranks  at  every  discharge;  and  at  length  they  precipitately 
retired  from  the  field. 

Our  right  had  only  a  short  contest  to  sustain  with  a  few  rash 
men,  who,  fatally  for  themselves,  forced  their  entrance  into  the 
unfinished  redoubt  on  the  river.  They  were  quickly  dispossessed, 
and  this  glorious  day  terminated  with  the  loss  to  the  enemy  of 
their  commander  in  chief  and  one  major  general  killed,  another 
major  general  wounded,  the  most  experienced  and  bravest  of  their 
officers,  and  more  than  three  thousand  men,  killed,  wounded  and 
missing ;  while  our  ranks,  my  friends,  were  thinned  only  by  the 
loss  of  six  of  our  brave  companions  killed,  and  seven  disabled  by 
wounds — wonderful  interposition  of  heaven  I  unexampled  event 
in  the  history  of  war .' 

Let  us  be  grateful  to  the  God  of  battles  who  has  directed  the 
arrows  of  indignation  against  our  invaders,  while  he  covered  with 
his  protecting  shield  the  brave  defenders  of  their  country. 

After  this  unsuccessful  and  disastrous  attempt,  their  spirits 
were  broken,  their  force  was  destroyed,  and  their  whole  attention 
was  employed  in  providing  the  means  of  escape.  This  they  have 
effected,  leaving  their  heavy  artillery  in  our  power,  and  many  of 
their  wounded  to  our  clemency.  The  consequences  of  this  short 
but  decisive  campaign,  are  incalculably  important.  The  pride  of 
our  arrogant  enemy  humbled,  his  forces  broken,  his  leaders  kil 
led,  his  insolent  hopes  of  our  disunion  frustrated,  his  expecta 
tion  of  rioting  in  our  spoils  and  wasting  our  country  changed  in 
to  ignominious  defeat,  shameful  flight,  and  reluctant  acknowledg 
ment  of  the  humanity  and  kindness  of  those  whom  he  had  doom 
ed  to  all  the  horrors  and  humiliation  of  a  conquered  state. 

On  the  other  side,  unanimity  established,  disaffection  crushed, 
confidence  restored,  your  country  saved  from  conquest,  your 
property  from  pillage,  your  wives  and  daughters  from  insult  and 
violation,  the  union  preserved  from  dismemberment,  and  perhaps 
a  period  put  by  this  decisive  stroke  to  a  bloody  and  savage  war. 
These,  my  brave  friends,  are  the  consequences  of  the  efforts  you 
have  made,  and  the  success  with  which  they  have  been  crowned 
by  heaven. 

These  important  results  have  been  effected  by  the  united  cou 
rage  and  perseverance  of  the  army ;  which  the  different  corps, 
as  well  as  the  individuals  that  compose  it,  have  vied  with  each 
other  in  their  exertions  to  produce.  The  share  they  have  res 
pectively  had  will  be  pointed  out  in  the  general  order  accompany 
ing  this  address.  But  the  gratitude,  the  admiration  of  their 
country,  offers  a  fairer  reward  than  that  which  any  praise  of  the 
general  can  bestow,  and  the  best  is  that  of  which  they  can  never 
be  deprived,  the  consciousness  of  having  done  their  duty,  and  of 
meriting  the  applause  they  will  receive. 


477 
GENERAL  ORDERS. 

HEAD  QUARTERS,  7th  MILITARY  DISTRICT, 

Camp  before  New  Orleans,  Adj.  General's  Office,  January  21st,  1815. 

Before  the  camp  at  these  memorable  lines  shall  be  broken  up, 
the  general  thinks  it  a  duty  to  the  brave  army  which  has  defended 
them,  publicly  to  notice  the  conduct  of  the  different  corps  which 
compose  it.  The  behaviour  of  the  regular  troops,  consisting  of 
parts  of  the  7th  and  44th  regiments  of  infantry,  and  the  corps  of 
marines,  all  commanded  by  colonel  Ross,  has  been  such  as  to 
merit  his  warm  approbation.  The  7th  regiment  was  led  by  major 
Peyre,  and  the  44th  by  captain  Baker,  in  the  action  of  the  23d, 
in  a  manner  that  does  those  officers  the  highest  honour.  They 
have  continued  through  the  campaign  to  do  their  duty  with  the 
same  zeal  and  ability  with  which  it  was  commenced.  On  that 
occasion  the  country  lost  a  valuable  officer  in  the  death  of  lieute 
nant  McClellan,  of  the  7th  infantry,  who  fell  while  bravely  lead 
ing  his  company.  Lieutenant  Dupuy,  of  the  44th,  although 
severely  wounded  in  this  action,  returned  in  time  to  take  a  share 
in  all  the  subsequent  attacks. 

To  the  Tennessee  mounted  gun  men,  to  their  gallant  leader, 
brigadier  general  Coffee,  the  general  presents  his  warmest  thanks, 
not  only  tor  their  uniformly  good  conduct  in  action,  but  for  the 
wonderful  patience  with  which  they  have  borne  the  fatigue,  and 
the  perseverance  with  which  they  surmounted  the  difficulties  of  a 
most  painful  march,  in  order  to  meet  the  enemy — a  diligence  and 
zeal  to  which  we  probably  owe  the  salvation  of  the  country. 
Ordinary  activity  would  have  brought  them  too  late  to  act  the 
brilliant  part  they  have  performed  in  the  defeat  ef  our  invaders. 
All  the  officers  of  that  corps  have  distinguished  themselves;  but 
the  general  cannot  avoid  mentioning  the  name  of  lieutenant  colo 
nel  Lauderdale,  who  fell  on  the  night  ef  the  23d,  and  those  of 
colonels   Dyer,  Gibson,   and  Elliott,  who  were  wounded,  but, 
disdaining  personal  considerations,  remained  firm  to  their  duty. 
The  cavalry  from  the  Mississippi  territory,  under  their  enter 
prising  leader,  major  Hinds,  vwas  always  ready  to  perform  every 
service,  which  the  nature  of  the  country  enabled  them  to  execute. 
The  daring  manner  in  which  they  reconnoitred  the  enemy  on  his 
lines,  excited  the  admiration  of  one  army  and  the  astonishment 
of  the  other. 

Major  general  Carroll,  commanding  the  detachment  of  West 
Tennessee  militia,  has  shown  the  greatest  zeal  for  the  service ;  a 
strict  attention  to  duty,  and  an  ability  and  courage  that  will 
always  recommend  him  to  the  gratitude  of  his  country.  His  troops 
have,  since  the  lines  were  formed,  occupied  and  defended  the 
weakest  part  of  them,  and  borne,  without  a  murmur,  an  encamp 
ment  on  a  marshy  and  unhealthy  soil.  In  the  memorable  action 
of  the  8th  of  January,  the  chief  effort  of  the  enemy  was  directed 
against  them,  but  their  valor,  and  that  of  the  brave  men  who  sup- 


478 

ported  them  (general  Coffee's  brigade  on  the  left,  and  a  part  of 
the  Kentucky  troops  on  the  right,)  soon  made  it  clear  that  a 
rampart  of  high-minded  men  is  a  better  defence  than  the  most 
regular  fortification. 

General  Adair,  who,  owing  to  the  indisposition  of  general 
Thomas,  brought  up  the  Kentucky  militia,  has  shown  that  troops 
will  always  be  valiant  when  their  leaders  are  so.  No  men  ever 
displayed  a  more  gallant  spirit  than  they  did  under  that  most 
valuable  officer.  His  country  is  under  obligations  to  him. 

The  general  would  be  ungrateful  or  insensible  to  merit  if  he 
did  not  particularly  notice  the  conduct  of  the  officers  and  men 
who  so  bravely  supported,  and  so  skilfully  directed,  his  artillery. 
Colonel  McRea,  in  the  action  of  the  23d,  showed  as  he  always 
does,  great  conrage.  Lieutenant  Spotts,  under  whose  immediate 
direction  our  artillery  had  been  placed,  led  it  to  action  with  a 
daring  courage  worthy  of  admiration.  Captain  Humphreys  com 
manded  the  first  battery  on  our  right.  The  service  is  greatly 
indebted  to  that  officer,  not  only  for  the  able  and  gallant  manner 
in  which  he  directed  his  fire,  but  for  the  general  activity  he  dii 
played  in  his  department. 

Lieutenant  Norris,  of  the  navy,  with  Mr.  Walkers  Martin/'and 
a  detachment  of  seamen,  was  stationed  at  the  2d  battery,  and 
lieutenant  Crawley,  with  Mr.  W.  Livingston,  master's  mate,  with 
a  similar  detachment,  were  stationed  at  a  32  pounder,  which  was 
remarkably  well  directed.  They  performed  their  duty  with  the 
zeal  and  bravery,  which  has  always  characterized  the  navy  of  the 
United  States.  Captains  Dominique  and  Belluche,  lately  com 
manding  privateers  at  Barataria,  with  part  of  their  former  crew 
and  many  brave  citizens  of  New  Orleans,  were  stationed  at  num 
bers  3  and  4.  The  general  cannot  avoid  giving  his  warm  appro 
bation  of  the  manner  in  which  these  gentlemen  have  uniformly 
conducted  themselves  while  tinder  his  command,  and  of  the  gal 
lantry  with  which  they  have  redeemed  the  pledge  they  gave  at  the 
opening  of  the  campaign  to  defend  the  country.  The  brothers 
Lafitte  have  exhibited  the  same  courage  and  fidelity,  and  the 
general  promises  that  the  government  shall  be  duly  apprized  of 
their  conduct.  Colonel  Perry,  deputy  quarter  master  general, 
volunteered  his  services  at  number  6.  He  was  ably  aided  by 
lieutenant  Kerr,  of  the  artillery.  His  battery  was  well  served, 
bravely  supported,  and  greatly  annoyed  the  enemy.  Numbers  8 
and  9  were  directed  by  lieutenant  Spotts  with  his  usual  skiM  and 
bravery,  assisted  by  Mr.  Cheaveau. 

The  general  takes  the  highest  pleasure  in  noticing  the  conduct 
of  general  Garrique  de  Flaujac,  commanding  one  of  the  brigades 
of  militia  of  this  state,  and  member  of  the  Senate.  His  brigade 
not  being  in  the  field,  as  soon  as  the  invasion  was  known  he  re 
paired  to  the  camp  and  offered  himself  as  a  volunteer  for  the 
service  of  a  piece  of  artillery,  which  he  directed  with  the  skill 
which  was  to  be  expected  from  an  experienced  artillery  officer. 


479 

Disdaining  the  exemption  afforded  by  his  seat  in  tlie  Senate,  he 
continued  in  this  subordinate  but  honourable  station ;  and  by  his 
example  as  well  as  his  exertion  has  rendered  essential  services  to 
his  country.  Mr.  Sebastian  Hiriart,  of  the  same  body,  set  the 
same  example,  served  a  considerable  time  in  the  ranks  of  the 
volunteer  battalion,  and  afterwards  as  adjutant  of  the  colored 
troops.  Major  Planche's  battalion  of  volunteers,  though  deprived 
of  the  valuable  services  of  major  Carmac,  who  commanded  them, 
by  a  wound  which  that  officer  received  in  the  attack  of  the  28th 
of  December,  have  realized  all  the  anticipations  which  the  general 
had  formed  of  their  conduct.  Major  Planche  and  major  St.  Jame, 
of  that  corps,  have  distinguished  themselves  by  their  activity, 
their  courage,  and  their  zeal ;  and  the  whole  corps  have  greatly 
contributed  to  enable  the  general  to  redeem  the  pledge  he  gave, 
when  at  the  opening  of  the  campaign  he  promised  the  country 
not  only  safety,  but  a  splendid  triumph  over  its  insolent  invaders. 
The  two  corps  of  colored  volunteers,  have  not  disappointed  the 
hopes  that  were  formed  of  their  courage  and  perseverance  in  the 
performance  of  their  duty.  Majors  Lacoste  and  Daquin,  who 
commanded  them,  have  deserved  well  of  their  country.  Captain 
Savary's  conduct  has  been  noticed  in  the  account  rendered  of  the 
battle  of  the  23d  ;  and  tkat  officer  has  since  continued  to  merit 
the  highest  praise.  Captain  Beale's  company  of  the  city  riflemen 
has  sustained,  by  its  subsequent  conduct,  the  reputation  it  acquired 
in  the  action  of  the  23d.  Colonel  de  la  Ronde,  of  the  Louisiana 
militia,  has  been  extremely  serviceable  by  his  exertions,  and  has 
shown  great  courage,  and  an  uniform  attachment  to  the  cause  of 
the  country.  General  Humbert,  who  offered  his  services  as  a 
volunteer,  has  continually  exposed  himself  to  the  greatest  dangers, 
with  his  characteristic  bravery,  as  has  also  the  Mexican  field 
marshal  don  Juan  de  Anayer,  who  acted  in  the  same  capacity. 
The  general  acknowledges  the  important  assistance  he  has  receiv 
ed  from  commodore  Patterson,  as  well  by  his  professional  exer 
tion,  as  the  zealous  co-operation  of  his  department  during  the 
whole  course  of  the  campaign.  Captain  Henley,  on  board  the  Ca 
roline,  and  afterwards  in  directing  the  erection  of  several  batte 
ries  at  the  Bayou  and  on  the  right  bank  of  the  river,  was  of  great 
utility  to  the  army.  Lieutenant  Alexis,  of  the  navy,  stationed  in 
the  navy  arsenal,  was  indefatigable  in  exertions  to  forward  to  the 
army  every  thing  which  could  facilitate  its  operations — his  zeal 
and  activity  deserve  the  notice  of  government.  Major  Nicks, 
who  by  an  accidental  wound  was  deprived  of  the  pleasure  of  com 
manding  the  7th  regiment  during  the  campaign,  was  continually 
employed  in  the  fort,  and  furnished  the  ammunition  and  the  artil 
lery  that  was  wanted,  with  the  greatest  activity  and  promptitude. 
To  the  volunteers  of  the  Mississippi  territory,  and  to  the  militia 
of  the  remoter  parts  of  this  state,  who  have  arrived  since  the  de 
cisive  action  of  the  8th,  the  general  tenders  his  thanks,  and  is 
convinced  that  nothing  but  opportunity  was  wanting  to  entitle 


480 

them  to  the  praises  that  have  been  merited  by  the  rest  of  the  ar 
my.  Captain  Ogden's  troop  of  horse  was  peculiarly  useful  by  their 
local  knowledge  of  the  ground  on  which  they  acted ;  and  the  small 
detachment  01  the  Attacapas  dragoons,  stationed  near  head  quar 
ters,  were  indefatigable  in  performing  all  the  duties  which  de 
volved  on  them. 

The  general  would  not  do  justice  to  his  staff,  if  he  did  not 
bestow  deserved  praise  on  the  adjutant  general,  colonel  Butler, 
and  his  assistant,  major  Chotard,  for  the  zeal  and  activity  in  the 
important  department  of  service  confided  to  them,  and  for  the 
bravery  which  led  them  wherever  danger  or  duty  required  their 
presence.  The  vigilance,  courage  and  attention  to  duty  exhibited 
during  the  campaign,  by  colonel  Haynes,  and  his  two  assistants, 
majors  Davis  and  Hampton,  have  been  appreciated  as  they  de 
served  to  be  by  their  general. 

The  general's  aids-de-camp,  Thomas  L.  Butler  and  captain 
John  Reid,  as  well  as  his  volunteer  aids,  Messrs.  Livingston, 
Duncan,  Grymes,  Dupessis,  and  major  Daverac  de  Castera,  the 
judge  advocate,  have  merited  the  thanks  of  the  general  by  the 
calm  and  deliberate  courage  they  have  displayed  on  every  occa 
sion,  and  in  every  situation  that  called  it  forth.  The  topographi 
cal  engineer,  major  Tatum,  exhibited  all  the  ardor  of  youth  in  the 
hour  of  peril,  united  to  the  experience  acquired  by  his  long  ser 
vices.  The  chief  engineer,  major  Lacarriere  de  la  Tour,  has 
been  useful  to  the  army  by  his  talents  and  bravery.  The  same 
praises  are  due  to  his  assistants,  captain  Lewis  Livingston  and 
Mr.  Latrobe.  The  medical  staffhas  merited  well  of  the  country,  and 
the  general  would  not  do  justice  to  his  own  feelings,  were  he  to 
withhold  from  doctor  Ker,  hospital  surgeon,  who  volunteered  his 
services,  and  doctor  Flood,  the  just  tribute  of  applause  deserved 
by  them  for  their  medical  skill  and  personal  bravery.  The  quar 
ter  master's  department,  though  deprived  of  the  personal  exer 
tions  of  colonel  Piatt,  who  was  wounded  in  the  night  action  of  the 
23d,  performed  well  all  their  duties.  Major  general  Villere  and 
brigadier  general  Morgan,  have  merited  the  approbation  of  the 
general  by  their  unwearied  attention  since  they  took  the  field. 

The  large  mortar  was  ably  directed  by  captain  Lefebre  and 
by  Mr.  Gilbert.  Captain  Blanchard  was  very  useful  as  an  engi 
neer,  and  merits  the  general's  praise  for  the  celerity  and  skill 
with  which  he  erected  the  battery  which  now  commands  the  river, 
on  the  right  of  the  camp.  Mr.  Busquet  and  Mr.  Ducoin,  of  major 
St.  Gene's  company,  displayed  great  knowledge  arid  dexterity  as 
artillerists.  To  the  whole  army,  the  general  presents  the  assur 
ance  of  his  official  approbation  and  of  his  individual  regard.  This 
splendid  campaign  will  be  considered  as  entitling  every  man  who 
has  served  in  it  to  the  salutation  of  his  brother  in  arms. 

By  command, 

ROBERT  BUTLER,  Adj. 


431 
CAPTURE  OF  THE  FRIGATE  PRESIDENT. 

H.  B.  M.  SHIP  ENDYM10N,  AT  SEA,  January  18th,  1815, 

SIR, 

The  painful  duty  of  detailing  to  you  the  particular  cause 
which  preceded  and  led  to  the  capture  of  the  late  United  States 
frigate  President,  by  a  squadron  of  his  Britannic  majesty's  ships 
(as  per  margin)  has  devolved  upon  me*  In  my  communication  of 
the  14th,  I  made  known  to  you  my  intention  of  proceeding  to 
sea  on  that  evening.  Owing  to  some  mistake  of  the  pilots,  the 
ship  in  going  out  grounded  on  the  bar,  where  she  continued  to 
strike  heavily  for  an  hour  and  a  half.  Although  she  had  broken 
several  of  her  rudder-braces,  and  had  received  such  other  material 
injury  as  to  render  her  return  into  port  desirable,  I  was  unable  to 
do  so  from  the  strong  westerly  wind  which  was  then  blowing.  It 
being  now  high  water,  it  became  necessary  to  force  her  over  the 
bar  before  the  tide  fell;  in  this  we  succeeded  by  10  o'clock,  whert 
we  shaped  our  courses  along  the  shore  of  Long  Island  for  50 
miles,  and  then  steered  south-east  by  east*  At  5  o'clock,  three 
ships  were  discovered  ahead ;  we  immediately  hauled  up  the  ship 
and  passed  two  miles  to  the  northward  of  them.  At  day  light, 
we  discovered  four  ships  in  chase,  one  on  each  quarter  and  two 
astern,  the  leading  ship  of  the  enemy  a  razee ,  she  commenced 
a  fire  upon  us,  but  without  effect.  At  meridian,  the  wind  became 
light  and  baffling,  we  had  increased  our  distance  from  the  razee, 
but  the  next  ship  astern,  which  was  also  a  large  ship,  had  gained 
and  continued  to  gain  upon  us  considerably ;  we  immediately  oc 
cupied  all  hands  to  lighten  ship,  by  starting  water,  cutting  the  an 
chors,  throwing  overboard  provisions,  cables,  spare  spars,  boats, 
and  every  article  that  could  be  got  at,  keeping  the  sails  wet  from. 
the  royals  down*  At  three,  we  had  the  wind  quite  light ;  the  ene- 
my,  who  had  now  been  joined  by  a  brig,  had  a  strong  breeze  and 
were  coming  up  with  us  rapidly.  The  Endymion  mounting  50 
guns,  24  pounders  on  the  main  deck,  had  now  approached  us 
within  gun  shot,  and  had  commenced  a  fire  with  her  bow  guns2 
which  we  returned  from  our  stern.  At  S  o'clock,  she  had  obtain 
ed  a  position  on  our  starboard  quarter,  within  half  point  blank 
shot,  on  which  neither  our  stern  nor  quarter  guns  would  bear ; 
we  were  now  steering  east  by  north,  the  wind  north-west.  I  re 
mained  with  her  in  this  position  for  half  an  hour,  in  the  hope  that 
she  would  close  with  us  on  our  broadside,  in  which  case  I  had 
prepared  my  crew  to  board,  but  from  his  continuing  to  yaw  his 
ship  to  maintain  his  position,  it  became  evident  that  to  close  was 
his  intention.  Every  fire  now  cut  some  of  our  sails  or  rigging. 
To  have  continued  our  course  under  these  circumstances,  would 
have  been  placing  it  in  his  power  to  cripple  us,  without  being  sub" 
jcct  to  injury  himself,  and  to  have  hauled  up  more  to  the  north* 
ward  to  bring  our  stern  guns  to  bear,  would  have  exposed  us  to 
his  raking  fire.  It  was  now  dusk,  when  I  determined  to  alter  #>^ 
61 


course  south,  for  the  purpose  of  bringing  the  enemy  abeam,  and 
although  their  ships  astern,  were  drawing  up  fast,  I  felt  satisfied 
I  should  be  enabled  to  throw  him  out  of  the  combat  before  they 
could  come  up,  and  was  not  without  hopes,  if  the  night  prove!) 
dark,  (of  which  there  was  every  appearance)  that  I  might  still  be 
enabled  to  make  my  escape.  Our  opponent  kept  off  at  the  same 
instant  we  did,  and  commenced  at  the  same  time.  We  continued 
engaged  steering  south  with  steering  sails  set  two  hours  and  a 
half,  when  we  completely  succeeded  in  dismantling  her.  Pre 
viously  to  her  dropping  entirely  out  of  the  action,  there  were  in 
tervals  of  minutes,  when  the  ships  were  broadside  and  broadside, 
in  which  she  did  not  fire  a  gun.  At  this  period  (half  past  8 
o'clock)  although  dark,  the  other  ships  of  the  squadron  were  in 
sight  and  almost  within  gun  shot.  We  were  of  course  compelled 
to  abandon  her.  In  resuming  our  former  course  for  the  purpose 
of  avoiding  the  squadron,  we  were  compelled  to  present  our 
stern  to  our  antagonist;  but  such  was  his  state,  though  we  were 
thus  exposed  and  within  range  of  his  guns  for  half  an  hour,  that 
he  did  not  avail  himself  of  this  favourable  opportunity  of  raking 
as.  We  continued  this  course  until  11  o*clock,  when  two  fresh 
&hips  of  the  enemy  (the  Pomona  and  Tenedos)  had  come  up. 
The  Pomona  had  opened  her  fire  on  the  larboard  bow,  within  mus 
ket  shot ;  the  other  about  two  cables'  length  astern,  taking  a  raking 
position  on  our  quarter ;  and  the  rest,  with  the  exception  of  the  En- 
dymion,  within  gun  shot.  Thus  situated,  with  about  one-fifth  of  my 
crew  killed  and  wounded,  my  ship  crippled,  and  a  more  than  four 
fold  force  opposed  to  me,  without  a  chance  of  escape  left,  £ 
deemed  it  my  duty  to  surrender. 

It  is  with  emotions  of  pride  I  bear  testimony  to  the  gallantry 
and  steadiness  of  every  officer  and  man  I  had  the  honour  to  com 
mand  on  this  occasion,  and  I  feel  satisfied  that  the  fact  of  their 
beating  a  force  equal  to  themselves,  in  the  presence  and  almost 
under  the  guns  of  so  vastly  a  superior  force,  when  too,  it  was  al 
most  self-evident,  that  whatever  their  exertions  might  be,  they 
mast  ultimately  be  captured,  will  be  taken  as  evidence  of  what 
they  would  hav  e  performed,  had  the  force  opposed  to  them  been  in 
any  degree  equal. 

It  is  with  extreme  pain  I  have  to  inform  you  that  lieutenants 
Babbit,  Hamilton,  and  Howell,  fell  in  the  action.  They  have 
left  no  officers  of  superior  merit  behind  them. 

If,  sir,  the  issue  of  this  affair  had  been  fortunate,  I  should  have 
felt  it  my  duty  to  have  recommended  to  your  attention,  lieute 
nants  Shubrick  and  Gallagher.  They  maintained  through  the  day 
the  reputation  they  had  acquired  in  former  actions. 

Lieutenant  Twiggs,  of  the  marines,  displayed  great  zeal ;  his 
men  were  well  supplied  and  their  fire  incomparable,  so  long  a- 
the  enemy  continued  within  musket  range. 

Midshipman  Randolph,  who  had  charge  of  the  forecastle  divi 
sion,  managed  it  to  my  entire  satisfaction. 


483 

From  Mr.  Robinson,  who  was  serving  as  a  volunteer,  I  receiv 
ed  essential  aid,  particularly  after  I  was  deprived  of  the  services 
of  the  master,  and  severe  loss  I  had  sustained  in  my  officers  oa 
the  quarter  deck. 

Of  our  loss  in  killed  and  wounded,  I  am  unable  at  present  to 
give  you  a  correct  statement ;  the  attention  of  the  surgeon  being 
*o  entirely  occupied  with  the  wounded,  that  he  was  unable  to  make 
out  a  correct  return  when  I  left  the  President,  nor  shall  I  be  able 
to  make  it  until  our  arrival  into  port,  we  having  parted  company 
with  the  squadron  yesterday.  The  enclosed  list,  with  the  excep 
tion  I  fear  of  its  being  short  of  the  number,  will  be  found  correct. 
For  twenty-four  hours  after  the  action  it  was  nearly  calm,  and 
the  squadron  were  occupied  in  repairing  the  crippled  ships.  Such 
ot  the  crew  of  the  President  as  were  not  badly  wounded,  were 
put  on  board  the  different  ships ;  myself  and  part  of  my  crew 
were  put  on  board  this  ship.  On  the  17th  we  had  a  gale  from  the 
eastward,  when  this  ship  lost  her  bowsprit,  fore  and  main -mast, 
and  mizen  top-mast,  all  of  which  were  badly  wounded,  and  was, 
in  consequence  of  her  disabled  condition,  obliged  to  throw  over 
board  all  her  upper  deck  guns.  Her  loss  in  kSled  and  wounded, 
must  have  been  very  great.  I  have  not  been  able  to  ascertain  the 
extent.  Ten  were  buried  after  I  came  on  board,  (36  hours  after 
the  action ;)  the  badly  wounded,  such  as  are  obliged  to  keep  their 
cots,  occupy  the  starboard  side  of  the  gun  deck  from  the  cabin- 
bulk  head  to  the  main-mast.  From  the  crippled  state  of  the  Pre 
sident's  spars,  I  feel  satisfied  she  could  not  have  saved  her  masts, 
and  I  feel  serious  apprehensions  for  the  safety  of  our  wounded 
left  on  board. 

It  is  due  to  captain  Hope  to  state,  that  every  attention  has  been 
paid  by  him  to  myself  and  officers  that  have  been  placed  on  board 
his  ship,  that  delicacy  ami  humanity  could  dictate. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

STEPHEN  DECATUR, 

Hon.  B.  W.  Crowninshield, 

Secretaiy  of  the  Navy. 

The  correct  account  of  the  loss  on  board  the  President  as  af 
terwards  ascertained,  was  25  killed,  and  60  wounded. 

This  vessel  having  been  taken  to  Bermuda,  was  there  repaired 
and  sent  to  England. 


LOSS  OF  FORT  BOWYER. 

MOBILE,  February  17th,  1815. 

SIR, 

It  becomes  my  duty  to  communicate  to  you  the  very  unplea 
sant  news  of  the  loss  of  fort  Bowver.  It  was  closely  invested  by 
and, as  well  as  w^ter,  on  the  8th Instant.  On  the  10th,  and  llth,! 


484 

passed  a  detachment  over  the  bay  with  a  vi«w  to  divert  the  enemy 
from  his  object ;  but  it  arrived  about  24  hours  too  late,  thougn 
time  enough  to  capture  one  of  the  enemy's  barges  with  seventeen 
seamen,  wno  say  the  garrison  capitulated  on  the  12th;  that  the 
besiegers  had  advanced  their  works  on  the  land  side  to  within 
certain  musket  shot  of  the  parapets  of  the  fort ;  that  the  loss 
in  killed  on  either  side  is  inconsiderable.  I  am  in  possession  of 
no  other  account  but  that  which  comes  from  the  prisoners.  About 
SO  of  the  enemy's  vessels,  besides  boats  and  barges,  are  lay 
ing  within  the  bar  and  above  Mobile  Point,  a  nd  several  ships 
of  the  line  on  the  south  and  west  of  Dauphin  Island.  The 
wind  is  fair,  and  I  expect  the  honour  of  seeing  them  here  every 
night ;  if  I  do,  I  have  great  confidence  my  next  will  be  on  a  more 
pleasant  subject 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

J.  WINCHESTER, 

Brigadier  General. 
Hon.  Secretary  of  Wtr. 

P.  S.  The  garrison  consisted  of  about  360  men,  including 
officers.  Three  small  schooners  in  which  the  detachment  was 
transported  over  the  bay,  were  captured  by  the  enemy's  barges 
after  the  troops  had  landed, 

J.  W. 


FORT  BOWYER,  February  12th,  1315. 

SIR, 

Imperious  necessity  has  compelled  me  to  enter  into  articles 
of  capitulation  with  major  general  Lambert,  commanding  his 
Britannic  majesty's  forces  in  front  of  fort  Bowyer,  a  copy  of  which 
I  forward  you  for  the  purpose  of  effecting  an  immediate  exchange 
of  prisoners.  Nothing  but  the  want  of  provisions,  and  finding 
myself  completely  surrounded  by  thousands ;  batteries  erected 
on  the  sand,  mounds  which  completely  commanded  the  fort — and 
the  enemy  having  advanced,  by  regular  approaches,  within  thirty 
yards  of  the  ditches,  and  the  utter  impossibility  of  getting  any 
assistance  or  supplies,  would  have  induced  me  to  adopt  this  mea 
sure.  Feeling  confident,  and  it  being  the  unanimous  opinion  of 
the  officers,  that  we  could  not  retain  the  post,  and  that  the  lives  of 
many  valuable  officers  and  soldiers  would  have  been  uselessly  sa 
crificed,  I  thought  it  most  desirable  to  adopt  this  plan.  A  full 
and  correct  statement  will  be  furnished  you  as  early  as  possible. 
Captain  Chamberlain,  who  bears  this  to  E.  Livingston,  esquire, 
will  relate  to  him  every  particular,  which  will  I  hope  be  satis 
factory. 

I  am,  with  respect,  &c. 

W.  LAWRENCE, 
Major  General  Jackson. 


485 

ARTICLES  OF  CAPITULATION 

Agreed  upon  between  lieutenant  colonel  Lawrence  and  major 
general  Lambert,  for  the  surrender  of  fort  Bowyer,  on  the  Mo 
bile  Point,  llth  of  February,  1815.  . 

I  That  the  fort  shall  be  surrendered  to  the  arms  of  his  Bri 
tannic  majesty  in  its  existing  state  as  to  the  works,  ordnance, 
ammunition,  and  every  species  of  military  stores. 

.  That  the  garrison  shall  te  considered  as  prisoners  of  war, 
the  troops  marching  out  withJheir  colors  flying  and  drums  beat 
ing  and  ground  their  arms  on  the  glacis— the  officers  retaining 
their  swords,  and  the  whole  to  embark  in  such  ships  as  the  British 
naval  commander  in  chief  shall  appoint. 

3.  All  private  property  to  be  respected. 

4  That  a  communication  shall  be  made  immediately  ol  tti 
same  to  the  commanding  officer  of  the  7th  military  district  of  the 
United  States,  and  every  endeavour  made  to  effect  an  early  ex 
change  of  prisoners.  . 

5  That  the  garrison  of  the  United  States  remain  in  the  tort 
until  12  o'clock  to-morrow,   a  British  guard  being  put  in  posses 
sion  of  the  inner  gate  at  3  o'clock  to-day,  and  the  British  flag  be 
hoisted  at  the  same  time  ;  an  officer  of  each  service  remaining  at 
the  head  quarters  of  each  commander  until  the  fulfilment  ol  these 

H.  G.  SMITH,  major  and  military  secretary. 

Agreed  on  the  part  of  the  royal  navy. 
T.  H.  RICKETS,  captain  H.M.ship  Vengent. 

R.  CHAMBERLAIN,  2d  regt.  U.  S.  infantry. 
W.  LAWRENCF,  Lt.  col.  2d  infantry  comdg, 

ALEXANDER  COCHRANE, 

Commander  in  chief  of  his  majesty's  shipping. 
JOHN  LAMBERT,  maj.  gen.  comdg  . 

A  true  copy — Test. 

JOHN  REID,  aid-decamp 

CAPTURE  OF  THE  ARGUS. 

NORFOLK,  March  2d,  1815. 

STR 

Circumstances  during  my  residence  in  England,  having  here 
tofore  prevented  my  attention  to  the  painful  duty  which  devolved 
on  me  by  the  death  of  my  gallant  commander,  captain  Willian  HL 
Allen,  of  the  late  United  States'  brig  Argus,  I  have  now  the  honour 
to  state  for  your  information,  that,  having  landed  the  minister 
plenipotentiary  (Mr.  Crawford)  and  suit,  at  L'Orient,  we  proceed 
ed  on  the  cruize  which  had  been  directed  by  the  department,  and 


436 

after  capturing  20  vessels  (a  list  of  the  names  mid  other  particulars 
of  which  I  have  the  honour  to  enclose)  being  in  latitude  52  15  north, 
longitude  5  50  west,  on  the  14th  August,  1813,  we  discovered  at  4 
o'clock  A.  M.  a  large  brig  of  war,  standing  down  under  a  press  of 
sail  upon  our  weather  quarter,  the  wind  being  at  south,  and  the 
Argus  close  hauled  on  the  starboard  tack,  we  immediately  prepar 
ed  to  receive  her ;  and  at  4  30,  being  unable  to  get  the  weather 
gage,  we  shortened  sail  and  gave  her  an  opportunity  of  closing. 
At  6,  the  brig  having  displayed  English  colours,  we  hoisted  our 
flag,  wore  round,  and  gave  her  the  larboard  broadside  (being  at 
this  time  within  grape  distance,)  which  was  returned,  and  the  ac 
tion  commenced  within  the  range  of  musketry.  At  6  4,  captain 
Alien  was  wounded,  and  the  enemy  shot  away  our  main  braces, 
main  spring  stay,  gaff,  and  trisail  mast.  At  6  8,  captain  Allen, 
being  much  exhausted  by  the  loss  of  blood,  was  taken  below.  At  6 
12,  lost  our  spritsail  yard,  and  the  principal  part  of  the  standing 
rigging  on  the  larboard  side  of  the  foremast.  At  this  time,  I  re 
ceived  a  wound  on  the  head  from  a  grape-shot,  which,  for  a  time, 
rendered  me  incapable  of  attending  to  duty,  and  was  carried  be 
low.  I  had,  however,  the  satisfaction  of  recollecting  on  my  reco 
very,  that  nothing  which  the  most  gallant  exertions  could  effect, 
would  be  left  undone  by  lieutenant  William  II.  Allen,  junior,  who 
succeeded  to  the  command  of  the  deck.  Lieutenant  Allen  report?, 
at  6  14,  the  enemy,  being  on  our  weather  quarter,  edged  off  for 
the  purpose  of  getting  under  our  stern;  but  the  Argus  luffed  close 
to,  with  the  maintopsail  aback,  and  giving  him  a  raking  broadside, 
frustrated  his  attempt.  At  6  18,  the  enemy  shot  away  our  pre 
venter,  mainbraces,  and  maintopsail  tye;  arid  the  Argus  having 
lost  the  use  of  her  after  sails,  fell  off  before  the  wind,  when  the 
enemy  succeeded  in  passing  our  stern,  and  ranged  up  on  the  star 
board  side.  At  6  25,  the  wheel  ropes  and  rigging  of  every  des 
cription  being  shot  away,  the  Argus  became  unmanageable;  and 
the  enemy,  not  having  sustained  any  apparent  damage,  had  it 
completely  in  his  power  to  choose  a  position,  continued  to  play 
upon  our  starboard  quarter,  occasionally  shifting  his  situation 
until  6  30,  when  I  returned  to  the  deck;  the  enemy  being  under 
our  stern,  within  pistol  shot,  where  he  continued  to  rake  us  until 
6  38,  when  we  prepared  to  board,  but  in  consequence  of  our  shat 
tered  condition,  were  unable  to  effect  it.  The  enemy  then  passed 
our  broadside,  and  took  a  position  on  our  starboard  bow.  From 
this  time  until  6  47,  we  were  exposed  to  a  cross  or  raking  fire, 
without  bein£  able  to  oppose  but  little  more  than  musketry  to  the 
broadside  of  the  enemy,  our  guns  being  much  disabled  and  seldom 
brought  to  bear. 

The  Argus,  having  now  suffered  much  in  hull  and  rigging,  as  also 
iii  killed  and  wounded,  among  the  former  of  whom  (exclusive  of 
our  gallant  captain,)  we  have  to  lament  the  loss  of  two  meritorious 
young  officers  in  midshipmen  Delphy  and  Edwards ;  and  being 
exposed  to  a  galling  fire,  which,  from  the  enemy's  ability  to  man 
age  his  vessel,  we  could  not  avoid,  I  deemed  it  necessary  to  sur- 


487 

render,  and  was  taken  possession  of  by  his  Britannic  majesty's 
sloop  Pelican,  of  twenty -one  carriage  guns,  viz  :  sixteen  32  pound 
carronades,  four  long  sixes,  and  one  12  pound  carronade.  I  hope 
this  measure  will  meet  your  approbation,  and  that  the  result  of 
this  action,  when  the  superior  size  and  metal  of  our  opponent,  and 
the  fatigue  which  the  crew,  &c.  of  the  Argus  underwent,  from  a 
very  rapid  succession  of  captures,  is  considered,  will  not  be  thought 
unworthy  the  flag  under  which  we 'serve. 

I  have  the  honour  to  inclose  a  list  of  killed  and  wounded,  and 
feel  great  satisfaction  in  reporting  the  general  good  conduct  of  the 
men  and  officers  engaged  on  this  occasion,  and  particularly  the 
zeal  and  activity  displayed  by  lieutenant  Allen,  who,  you  will 
•bserve,  for  a  time  commanded  on  deek. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

W.  H.  WATSON, 
Late  first  Lt.  U.  S.  brig  drgus, 
Hon.  B.  W.  Crowninshield,  Stc. 

Killed,  fr—Oiad  of  th«k-  wounds,  5— wounded,  12. 

NEW  ORLEANS,  March  ink,  1815 

SIR, 

Inclosed  I  have  the  honour  to  transmit  for  your  mformatm  a 
copy  of  a  letter  from  lieutenant  Thomas  Ap  Catesby  Jones,,rving  a 
detailed  account  of  the  action  between  the  gun  vessels  uder  his 
command  and  a  flotilla  of  the  enemy's  launches  and  barps,  on  the 
14th  December,  1814,  which,  after  a  most  gallant  res/isince,  ter 
minated  as  stated  in  my  letter  of  the  17th  December,  ilthe  capture 
of  our  squadron. 

The  courage  and  skill  which  was  displayed  in  the  dtence  o 
gun-vessels  and  tender,  for  such  a  length  of  time,  ag.iust  .such  an 
overwhelming  force  as  they  had  to  contend  with,  reflets  aau  tional 
splendour  on  our  naval  glory  ;  and  will,  I  trust,  dimmm  u 
occasioned  by  their  loss.  J 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c.   • 

DANIEL  T.  PATOftP 

Hon.  B.  W.  Crowmnshield,  \ 

Secretary  of  the  Navy, 

NEW  ORLEANS,  March  15th,  315. 

OTVI 

Having  sufficiently  recovered  my  strength,  I  do  myael'i  the 
honour  of  Feporting  to  you  the  particulars  of  the  capture  i 
division  of  United  States'  gun-boats,  late  under  my  commaAd. 

On  the  12th  December,  1814,  the  enemy's  fleet  oft  Ship  I 
had  increased  to  such  a  force  as  to  render  it  no  longer  sate 
prudent  for  me  to  continue  in  that  part  of  the  lake  with  the  M 
force  which  I  commanded .   I  therefore  determined  to  gain  a  static 
near  th**  Malhereux  Islands  as  soon  as  possible,  wtoCK  «f 


4SS 

would  better  enable  me  to  oppose  a  further  penetration  of  the  ene 
my  up  the  lakes,  and  at  the  same  time  afford  me  an  opportunity  of 
retreating  to  the  Petite  Coquilles  if  necessary. 

At  10  A.  M.  on  the  13th,  I  discovered  a  large  flotilla  of  barges 
had  left  the  fleet,  (shaping  their  course  towards  the  Pass  Christian) 
which  I  supposed  to  be  a  disembarkation  of  troops  intending  to 
land  at  that  place.     About  2  P.  M.  the  enemy's  flotilla  having 
gained  the   Pass  Christian,  and  continuing  their  course  to  the 
westward,  convinced  me  that  an  attack  on  the  gun  boats  was  their 
design.     At  this  time  the  water  in  the  lakes  was   uncommonly 
low,  owing  to  the  westerly  wind  which  had  prevailed  for  a  number 
of  days  previous,  and  which  still  continued  from  the  same  quar 
ter.     Nos.  156,  162,  and  163,  although  in  the  best  channel,  were 
in  12  or  18  inches  less  water  than  their  draught.    Every   effort 
was  made  to  get  them  afloat  by  throwing  overboard  all  the  articles; 
of  weight  that  could  be  dispensed  with.    At  3  30,  the  flood  tide 
had  commenced  ;  got  under  weigh  making  the   best  of  my  way 
towards  the  Petite   Coquille.     At  3  45,  the  enemy  despatched 
three  boats  to  cut  out  the  schooner  Sea-Horse,  which  had  been 
sent  into  the  bay  St.  Louis  that  morning  to  assist  in  the  removal 
of  the  public  stores,  which  I  had  previously  ordered.    There  find- 
~Tg  a  removal  impracticable,  I  ordered  preparations  to  be  made 
foVSeir  destruction,  lest  they  should  fall  into  the  enemy's  hands. 
A  fewiischarges  of  grape  shot  from  the  Sea-Horse  compelled  the 
three  bots,  which  had  attacked  her,  to  retire  out  of  the  reach  of 
her  gunsjuntil  they  were  joined  by  four  others,  when  the  attack 
was  recoimenced  by  the  seven  boats.    Mr.  Johnson  having  cho 
sen  an  advntageous  position  near  the  two  6  pounders  mounted  on 
the  bank,  maintained  a  sharp  action  for  near  30  minutes,  when 
the  enemy  auled  off,  having  one  boat  apparently  much  injured, 
and  with  #2<loss  of  several  men  killed  and  wounded.     At  7  30, 
an  ex^ibsiorat  the  bay,  and  soon  after  a  large  tire,  induced  me  to 
belir.v    thf  Sea-Horse  was  blown  up  and  the  public  store  house 
se/^  Hfre,  which  has  proved  to  be  the  fact. 

U^J*  ^"  ^**  °n  ^ie  14^'  ^e  w*n(*  nav*nS  entirely  died 
aWy»  alT(i  our  vessels  become  unmanageable,  came  to  anchor  in 
the  "»es .  end  of  Malhereux  Island's  passage.  At  daylight  next 
mornnV  still  a  perfect  calm,  the  enemy's  flotilla  was  about  nine 
miles  from  us  at  anchor,  but  soon  got  in  motion  and  rapidly 
advanced  towards  us.  The  want  of  wind,  and  the  strong  ebb  tide 
whi:h  was  setting  through  the  Pass,  left  me  but  one  alternative, 
whch  was  to  put  my  vessels  in  the  most  advantageous  position, 
to^ive  the  enemy  as  warm  a  reception  as  possible.  The  comman 
ders  were  all  called  on  board  and  made  acquainted  with  my  interi- 
tims,  and  the  position  which  each  vessel  was  to  take,  the  whole  to 
firm  a  close  line  abreast  across  the  channel,  anchored  by  the  stern, 
Jvith  springs  on  the  cables,  &c.  &c.  Thus  we  remained  anxiously 
awaiting  an  attack  from  the  advancing  foe,  whose  force  I  now 
clearly  distinguished  to  be  composed  offorty-tivo  heavy  launches 


489 

and  gun  barges,  with  three  light  gigs,  manned  with  upwards  of 
cue  thousand  men  and  officers.  About  9  30,  the  Alligator  (tender) 
which  was  to  the  southward  and  eastward,  and  endeavouring  to 
join  the  division,  was  captured  by  several  of  the  enemy's  barges, 
when  the  whole  flotilla  came  to  with  their  grapples,  a  little  out 
of  reach  of  our  shot,  apparently  making  arrangements  for  the  at 
tack.  At  10  39,  the  enemy  weighed,  forming  a  line  abreast  in 
open  order,  and  steering  direct  for  our  line,  which  was  unfortu 
nately  in  some  degree  broken  by  the  force  of  the  current,  driving 
numbers  156  and  163  about  one  hundred  yards  in  advance.  As 
soon  as  the  enemy  came  within  reach  of  our  shot,  a  deliberate  fire 
from  our  long  guns  was  opened  upon  him,  but  without  much  ef 
fect,  the  objects  being  of  so  small  a  size.  At  10  minutes  before 
11,  the  enemy  opened  a  fire  from  the  whole  of  his  line,  when  the 
action  became  general  and  destructive  on  both  sides.  At  11  49,  the 
advanced  boats  of  the  enemy,  three  in  number,  attempted  to  board 
No.  156,  but  were  repulsed  with  the  loss  of  nearly  every  officer 
killed  or  wounded,  and  two  boats  sunk.  A  second  attempt  to 
board  was  then  made  by  four  other  boats,  which  shared  almost  a 
similar  fate.  At  this  moment  I  received  a  severe  wound  in  my 
left  shoulder,  which  compelled  me  to  quit  the  deck,  leaving  it  in 
charge  of  Mr.  George  Parker,  master's  mate,  who  gallantly  de 
fended  the  vessel  until  he  was  severely  wounded,  when  the  ene 
my,  by  his  superior  numbers,  succeeded  in  gaining  possession  of 
the  deck,  about  10  minutes  past  12  o'clock.  The  enemy  imme 
diately  turned  the  guns  of  his  prize  on  our  other  gun-boats,  and 
fired  several  shot  previous  to  striking  the  American  colours.  The 
action  continued  with  unabated  severity,  until  40  minutes  past  12 
o'clock,  when  it  terminated  with  the  surrender  of  No.  23,  all  the 
other  vessels  having  previously  fallen  into  the  hands  of  the  ene 
my. 

In  this  unequal  contest,  our  loss  in  killed  and  wounded  has 
been  trifling,  compared  to  that  of  the  enemy,  which  amounts  to 
nearly  four  hundred. 

Enclosed  you  will  receive  a  list  of  the  killed  and  wounded,  and 
a  correct  statement  of  the  force  which  I  had  the  honour  to  com 
mand  at  the  commencement  of  the  action,  together  with  an  esti 
mate  of  the  force  I  had  to  contend  against,  as  acknowledged  by 
the  enemy,  which  will  enable  you  to  decide  how  far  the  honour 
of  our  country's  flag  has  been  supported  in  this  conflict. 

With  much  respect,  &c. 
THOMAS  AP  CATESBY  JONES, 

Mtut.  Com.  U,  S,  Wavy, 

Capt.  Daniel  T.  Patterson,  commanding1. 
62 


490 

Statement  of  the  effective  force  of  a  division  of  the  United  States' 
gun-boats,  under  the  command  of  lieutenant  commanding  Tho 
mas  Jlp  Catesby  Jones,  at  the  commencement  of  the  actiont  with 
a  flotilla  of  English  boats,'on  the  14th  of  December,  1814. 

Gun-boat,  No.  5,  5  guns,  56  men,  sailing  master  John  D.  Ferris; 
gun-boat,  No.  156,  5  guns,  41  men,  lieutenant  commandant  T.  A- 
C.  Jones;  gun-boat,  5so.  162,  5  guns,  35  men,  lieutenant  Robert 
Speeden  ;  gun-boat,  No.  163,  3  guns,  31  men,  sailing  master 
George  Ulrick.  —  Total,  23  guns,  182  men. 

N.  B.  The  schooner  Sea  Horse  had  one  6  pounder  and  14  men, 
sailing  master  William  Johnson,  commander  ;  none  killed  or 
Wounded. 

The  sloop  Alligator  (tender)  had  one  4  pounder  and  eight  men, 
Sailing  master  Richard  S.  Sheppard,  commander. 

THOMAS  AP  CATESBY  JONES, 
Lieut.  Com.  U.  8. 


The  following  is  a  correct  statement  af  the  British  forces  ivhich 
were  engaged  in  the  capture  of  the  late  United  States'  gun-boats, 
Nos.  23,  156,  5,  162  and  163,  near  Malhereux  islands,  lake 
Borgne,  14th  December,  1814. 

Forty  launches  and  barges,  mounting  one  carronade  ^each,  of 
12,  19,  and  24  calibre. 

One  launch,  mounting  one  long  brass  12  pounder. 

One     do.  do.  do.         do.        9       do. 

Three  gigs,  with  small  arms  only. 

Total  number  of  boats,  45 

do.         do.          cannon,  -     42 

The  above  flotilla  was  manned  with  1200  men  and  officers,  com 
manded  by  captain  Lockyer,  who  received  three  severe  wounds 
in  the  action.  The  enemy,  as  usual,  will  not  acknowledge  his 
loss  on  this  occasion,  in  boats  or  men  ;  but  from  the  nature  of  the 
action,  and  the  observations  made  by  our  officers  while  prisoners 
in  their  fleet,  his  loss  in  killed  and  wounded  may  be  justly  esti 
mated  to  exceed  three  hundred,  among  whom  are  an  unusual 
proportion  of  officers. 


CAPTURE  OF  THE  PENGUIN. 

U.  S.  SLOOP  HORNET,  OFF  TKISTAN  D'ACUNHA, 

March  25th,  1815 

SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  inform  you,  that  on  the  morning  of  the 
23d  instant,  at  half  past  ten,  when  about  to  anchor,  oft' the  north 
end  of  the  island  of  Tristan  d'Acunha,  a  sail  was  seen  to  the 
son th ward  and  eastward,  steering  to  the  westward,  the  wind  fresh 
from  the  S.  S.  W.  In  a  few  minutes  she  had  passed  on  to  the 
westward,  so  that  we  could  not  see  her  for  the  land.  I  immedi- 


491 

ately  made  sail  for  the  westward,  and  shortly  after  getting  in  sight 
of  her  again,  perceived  her  to  bear  up  before  the  wind.  I  hove 
to  for  him  to  come  down  to  us.  When  she  had  approached 
near,  I  filled  the  maintopsail,  and  continued  to  yaw  the  ship, 
while  she  continued  to  come  down,  wearing  occasionally  to  pre 
vent  her  passing  under  our  stern.  At  1  40  P.  M.  being  within 
nearly  musket  shot  distance,  she  hauled  her  wind  on  the  starboard 
tack,  hoisted  English  colours  and  fired  a  gun.  We  immediately 
Jutted  to,  hoisted  our  ensign  and  gave  the  enemy  a  broadside. 
The  action  being  thus  commenced,  a  quick  and  well  directed  fire 
was  kept  up  from  this  ship,  the  enemy  gradually  driving  near  to 
vs,  when  at  1  65  minutes  he  bore  up  apparently  to  run  us  on  board. 
As  soon  as  I  perceived  he  would  certainly  fall  on  board,  I  called 
the  boarders,  so  as  to  be  ready  to  repel  any  attempt  to  board  us. 
At  the  instant  every  officer  and  man  repaired  to  the  quarter  deck, 
where  the  two  vessels  were  coming  in  contact,  and  eagerly  pressed 
me  to  permit  them  to  board  the  enemy  ;  but  this  I  would  not  per 
mit,  as  it  was  evident,  from  the  commencement  of  the  action, 
that  our  tire  was  greatly  superior  both  in  quickness  and  in  effect. 
The  enemy's  bowsprit  came  in  between  our  main  and  inizen  rig- 
gin^,  on  our  starboard  side,  affording  him  an  opportunity  to  board 
us,  if  such  was  his  design,  but  no  attempt  was  made.  There  was 
a  considerable  swell  on,  and  as  the  sea  lifted  us  ahead,  the  ene 
my's  boom  carried  away  our  mizen  shrouds,  stern  davits  and 
spanker  boom,  and  he  hung  upon  our  larboard  quarter.  At  this 
moment  an  officer,  who  was  afterwards  recognized  to  be  Mr. 
M'Donald,  the  first  lieutenant,  and  the  then  commanding  officer, 
called  out  that  they  had  surrendered.  I  directed  the  marines  and 
musketry  men  to  cease  firing,  and,  while  on  the  taffrail  asking  if 
they  had  surrendered,  I  received  a  wound  in  the  neck.  The  ene 
my  just  then  got  clear  of  us,  and  his  fore-mast  and  bowsprit  be 
ing  both  gone,  and  perceiving  us  wearing  to  give  a  fresh  broad 
side,  he  again  called  out  that  he  had  surrendered.  It  was  with 
difficulty  I  could  restrain  my  crew  from  firing  into  him  again,  as 
he  had  certainly  fired  into  us  after  having  surrendered.  From 
the  firing  of  the  first  gun,  to  the  last  time  the  enemy  cried  out  he 
had  surrendered,  was  exactly  22  minutes  by  the  watch.  She 
proved  to  be  his  Britannic  majesty's  brig  Penguin,  mounting  six 
32  pound  carronudes,  two  long  l£'s,  a  twelve  pound  carronade  on 
the  top-gallant  fore-castle,  with  swivels  on  the  capstern  in  the 
tops.  She  had  a  spare  port  forward,  so  as  to  fight  both  her 
long  guns  of  aside.  She  sailed  from  England  in  September  last. 
She  was  shorter  upon  deck  than  this  ship,  by  two  feet,  but  she  had 
a  greater  length  of  keel,  greater  breadth  of  beam,  thicker  sides, 
and  higher  bulwarks  than  this  ship,  and  was  in  all  respects  a  re 
markably  fine  vessel  of  her  class.  The  enemy  acknowledge  a 
complement  of  132,  12  of  them  supernumerary  marines  from  the 
Medway  74,  received  on  board  in  consequence  of  their  being  or 
dered  to  cruise  for  the  American  privateer  Young  Wasp.  They 


492 

acknowledge,  also,  a  loss  of  14  killed  and  28  wounded ;  but  Mr. 
Mayo,  who  was  in  charge  of  the  prize,  assures  me  that  the  number 
of  killed  was  certainly  greater.  Among  the  killed  is  captain 
Dickenson,  who  fell  at  the  close  of  the  action,  and  the  boatswain ; 
among  the  wounded,  is  the  second  lieutenant,  purser,  and  two 
midshipmen.  Each  of  the  midshipmen  lost  a  leg.  We  received 
on  board,  in  all,  118  prisoners,  four  of  whom  have  since  died  of 
their  wounds.  Having  removed  the  prisoners,  and  taken  on  board 
such  provisions  and  stores  as  would  be  useful  to  us,  I  scuttled  the 
Penguin  this  morning,  before  day-light,  and  she  went  down.  As 
she  was  completely  riddled  by  our  shot,  her  foremast  and  bow 
sprit  both  gone,  and  her  main-mast  so  crippled  as  to  be  incapable 
of  being  secured,  it  seemed  unadvisable,  at  this  distance  from 
home,  to  attempt  sending  her  to  the  United  States. 

This  ship  did  not  receive  a  single  round  shot  in  her  hull,  nor 
any  material  wound  in  her  spars;  the  rigging  and  sails  were  very 
much  cut ;  but  having  bent  a  new  suit  of  sails  and  knotted  and 
secured  our  rigging,  we  are  now  completely  ready,  in  all  respects, 
for  any  service.  We  were  eight  men  short  of  complement,  and 
had  nine  upon  the  sick  list  the  morning  of  the  action. 

Enclosed  is  a  list  of  killed  and  wounded.  I  lament  to  state 
that  lieutenant  Conner  is  wounded  dangerously.  I  feel  great  so 
licitude  on  his  account,  as  he  is  an  officer  of  much  promise,  and 
his  loss  would  be  a  serious  loss  to  the  service. 

It  is  a  most  pleasing  part  of  my  duty  to  acquaint  you,  that  the 
conduct  of  lieutenants  Conner  and  Newton,  Mr.  Mayo,  acting 
lieutenant  Brownlow,  of  the  marines,  sailing  master  Romney,  and 
the  other  officers,  seamen  and  marines  I  have  the  honour  to  com 
mand,  was  in  the  highest  degree  creditable  to  them,  and  calls  for 
my  warmest  recommendation.  I  cannot,  indeed,  do  justice  to 
their  merits.  The  satisfaction  which  was  diffused  throughout  the 
ship  when  it  was  ascertained  that  the  stranger  was  an  enemy's 
sloop  of  war,  and  the  alacrity  with  which  every  one  repaired  to 
quarters,  fully  assured  me  that  their  conduct  in  the  action  would 
be  marked  with  coolness  and  intrepidity. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

J.  BIDDLE. 
Hon.  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 

The  loss  on  board  the  Hornet,  was  one  killed  and  11  wounded, 


CAPTURE  OF  THE  CYANE  AND  LEVANT. 

U.  S.  FRIGATE  CONSTITUTION,  May ,  1815. 

SIR, 

On  the  20th  of  February  last,  the  island  of  Madeira  bearing 
about  west  south-west,  distant  60  leagues,  we  fell  in  with  his  Bri 
tannic  majesty's  two  ships  of  war,  the  Cjfane  and  Levant ;  and 
brought  them  to  action  about  6  o'clock  in  the  evening,  both  of 


493 

\vliich,  after  a  spirited  engagement  of  40  minutes,  surrendered  to 
the  ship  under  my  command. 

Considering  the  advantages  derived  by  the  enemy,  from  a  di 
vided  and  more  active  force,  as  also  their  superiority  in  the  weight 
and  number  of  guns,  I  deem  the  speedy  and  decisive  result  of  this 
action  the  strongest  assurance  which  can  be  given  to  the  govern 
ment,  that  all  under  my  command  did  their  duty,  and  gallantly 
supported  the  reputation  of  American  seamen. 

Enclosed  you  will  receive  the  minutes  of  the  action,  and  a  list 
of  the  killed  and  wounded  on  board  this  ship;  also  enclosed  you 
will  receive  for  your  information,  a  statement  of  the  actual  force 
of  the  enemy,  and  the  number  killed  and  wounded  on  board  their 
ships,  as  near  as  could  be  ascertained. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 
CHARLES  STEWART. 

Hon.  Secretary  of  the  Navy. 

American  loss — 3  killed,  12  wounded. 
British  loss — 35  killed,  42  wounded. 
Prisoners  taken,  313. 

Minutes  of  the  action  between  the  United  States'  frigate  Consti 
tution,  and  his  Britannic  majesty's  ships  Cyane  and  Levant,  on 
the  9,0th  February,  1815. 

Commences  with  light  breezes  from  the  east,  and  cloudy  wea 
ther.  At  one,  discovered  a  sail  two  points  on  the  larboard  bow — 
hauled  up  and  made  sail  in  chase.  At  ^  past  one,  made  the  sail 
to  be  a  ship;  at  f  past  one,  discovered  another  sail  ahead  ;  made 
them  out  at  two  P.  M.  to  be  both  ships,  standing  close  hauled,  with 
their  starboard  tacks  on  board ;  at  4  P.  M.  the  weather  most  ship 
made  signals,  and  bore  up  to  her  consort,  then  about  10  miles  to 
leeward;  we  bore  up  after  her,  and  set  lower  top-mast,  top-gal 
lant,  and  royal  studding  sails  in  chase ;  at  £  past  4,  carried  away 
our  main  royal  mast ;  took  in  the  sails  and  got  another  prepared  ; 
at  5  P.  M.  commenced  firing  on  the  chase  from  our  two  larboard 
bow  guns;  our  shot  falling  short,  ceased  firing;  at  £  past  five, 
finding  it  impossible  to  prevent  their  junction,  cleared  ship  for  ac 
tion,  then  about  four  miles  from  the  two  ships ;  at  40  minutes  after 
5,  they  passed  within  hail  of  each  other,  and  hauled  by  the  wind 
on  the  starboard  tack,  hauled  up  their  courses,  and  prepared  to 
receive  us ;  at  forty-five  minutes  past  five,  they  made  all  sail  close 
hauled  by  the  wind,  in  hopes  of  getting  to  the  windward  of  us ;  at 
55  minutes  past  5,  finding  themselves  disappointed  in  their  object, 
and  we  were  closing  with  them  fast,  they  shortened  sail,  and 
formed  on  a  line  of  wind,  about  half  a  cable's  length  from  each 
other.  At  6  P.  M.  having  them  under  command  of  our  battery, 
hoisted  our  colours,  which  was  answered  by  both  ships  hoisting 
English  ensigns.  At  5  minutes  past  6,  ranged  up  on  the  starboard 
side  of  the  sternmost  ship,  about  300  yards  distant,  and  commeiic- 


494 

ed  the  action  by  broadsides,  both  ships  returning  our  fire  with  the 
greatest  spirit  for  about  15  minutes,  then  the  fire  of  the  enemy 
beginning  to  slacken,  and  the  great  column  of  smoke  collected 
under  our  lee,  induced  us  to  cease  our  fire  to  ascertain  their  posi 
tions  and  conditions.  In  about  three  minutes  the  smoke  clearing 
away,  we  found  ourselves  abreast  of  the  headmost  ship,  the 
sternmost  ship  luffing  up  for  our  larboard  quarter ;  we  poured  a 
broadside  into  the  headmost  ship,  and  then  braced  aback  our  main 
and  mizen  topsails,  and  backed  astern  under  cover  of  the  smoke, 
abreast  the  sternmost  ship,  when  the  action  was  continued  with 
spirit  and  considerable  effect,  until  35  minutes  past  6,  when  the 
enemy's  fire  again  slackened,  and  we  discovered  the  headmost 
bearing  up;  filled  our  topsails,  shot  ahead, arid  gave  her  two  stern 
rakes.  We  then  discovered  the  sternmost  ship  wearing  also ; 
xvore  ship  immediately  after  her,  and  gave  her  a  stern  rake,  she 
luffing  to  on  our  starboard  bow,  and  giving  us  her  larboard  broad 
side.  We  ranged  upon  her  larboard  quarter,  within  hail,  and 
\va*  about  to  give  her  our  starboard  broadside,  when  she  struck 
her  colours,  fired  a  lee  gun  and  yielded.  At  50  minutes  past  6, 
took  possession  of  his  Britannic  majesty's  ship  Cyane,  captain 
Gordon  Falcon,  mounting  34  guns.  At  8  P.  M.  filled  away  after 
her  consort,  which  was  still  in  sight  to  leeward.  At  half  past  8, 
found  her  standing  towards  us,  with  her  starboard  tacks  close 
hauled,  with  topgallant  sails  set  and  colours  Hying.  At  50  minutes 
past  8,  ranged  close  alongside  to  windward  of  her,  on  opposite 
tacks,  and  exchanged  broadsides;  wore  immediately  under  her 
stern  and  raked  her  with  a  broadside.  She  then  crowded  all  sail 
and  endeavoured  to  escape  by  running;  hauled  on  board  our 
tacks,  set  spanker  and  flying  jib  in  chase.  At  half  past  9,  com 
menced  firing  on  her  from  our  starboard  bow  chaser;  gave  her 
several  shot,  which  cut  her  spars  and  rigging  considerably.  At 
10  P.  M.  finding  they  could  not  escape,  fired  a  gun,  struck  her 
colours,  and  yielded.  We  immediately  took  possession  of  his 
iiritannic  majesty's  ship  Levant,  hoi),  captain  George  Douglass, 
mounting  21  guns.  At  1  A.  M.  the  damages  of  our  rigging  were 
repaired,  sails  shifted,  and  the  ship  in  fighting  condition. 


CAPTAIN  BIDDLE'S  ESCAPE  FROM  A  74. 

V.  S.  SHIP  HORNET,  ST.  SALVADORE,  June  10th,  1815. 

SIR, 

I  have  the  honour  to  report,  that  tlie  Peacock  and  this  ship, 
having  continued  off  Christian  D'Acunha,  the  number  of  days 
directed  by  you,  in  your  letter  of  instructions,  proceeded  in  com 
pany  to  the  eastward  on  the  12th  of  April,  bound  to  the  second 
j  lace  of  rendezvous.  Nothing  of  any  importance  occurred  to  us 
until  the  2rth  of  April,  when  at  7  A.  M.  in  latitude  38  30  south 
and  longitude  G3  cast,  we  made  a  strange  sail  to  the  south  east  to 


495 

which  we  gave  chase.  The  wind  was  from  the  north  east  by  north 
and  light  throughout  the  day,  and  by  sun-down  we  had  nearetl 
the  chase  considerably.  It  was  calm  during  the  night,  and  at 
day-light  on  the  28th  he  was  still  in  sight.  A  breeze  springing  up 
from  the  north  west,  we  crouded  sail  with  steering  sails  oft  bom 
sides;  the  chase  standing  to  the  northward  upon  a  wind.  At  % 
45  P.  M.  the  Peacock  was  about  six  miles  ahead  of  this  ship  ;  and 
observing  that  she  appeared  to  be  suspicious  of  tlie  chase,  I  took 
in  starboard  steering  sails,  and  hauled  up  for  the  Peacock.  I  was 
still,  however,  of  opinion  that  the  chase  was  an  Indiaman,  though 
indeed  the  atmosphere  was  quite  smoky  and  indistinct,  and  I  con 
cluded,  as  she  was  very  large,  that  captain  Warrington  was  wait 
ing  for  me  to  join  him,  that  we  might  together  go  along  side  of  her. 
At  3  22  P.  M.  the  Peacock  made  the  signal  that  the  chase  was  a 
ship  of  the  line  and  an  enemy.  I  immediately  took  in  all  steering 
sails,  arid  hauled  upon  a  wind  ;  the  enemy  then  upon  our  lee 
quarter,  distant  about  eightcmiles.  By  sun-down  I  had  perceived 
the  enemy  sailed  remarkably  fast,  and  was  very  weatherlv.  At 
9  P.  M.  as  the  enemy  was  gaining  upon  us,  and  as  there  was  every 
appearance  that  he  would  be  enabled  to  keep  sight  of  us  during 
the  night,  I  considered  it  necessary  to  lighten  this  ship.  I  there 
fore  threw  overboard  12  tons  of  kentledge,  part  of  our  shot,  some 
of  our  heavy  spars,  cut  away  the  sheet  anchor  and  cable,  and 
started  the  'wedges  of  the  masts.  At  2  A.  M.  the  enemy  being 
rather  before  our  lee-beam,  I  tacked  to  the  westward ;  the  enemy 
also  tacked  and  continued  in  chase  of  us.  At  day-light,  on  the  29th, 
he  was  within  gun  shot  upon  our  lee  quarter.  At  7  A.  M.  having 
hoisted  English  colours,  and  a  rear  admiral's  flag,  he  commenced 
faring  from  his  bow  guns.  As  his  shot  went  over  us,  I  cut  away 
the  remaining  anchor  and  cable,  threw  overboard  the  launch,  six 
of  our  guns,  more  of  our  shot,  and  every  heavy  article  that  was 
at  hand;  the  enemy  fired  about  thirty  shot,  not*one  of  which  took 
effect,  though  most  of  them  passed  over  us.  While  he  was  tiring,. 
I  had  the  satisfaction  to  perceive  that  we  slowly  dropt  him,  and 
at  9  A.  M.  he  ceased  his  fire. 

At  11  A.  M.  the  enemy  was  again  coming  up  with  us.  I  now 
therefore  threw  overboard  all  our  remaining  guns  but  one  long 
gun,  nearly  all  our  shot,  all  our  spare  spars,  cut  away  the  top 
gallant  forecastle,  and  cleared  every  thing  off  deck,  as  well  as 
from  below,  to  lighten  us  as  much  as  possible.  At  noon  the  ene 
my  again  commenced  firing.  He  fired  many  shot,  only  three  of 
which  came  on  board  ;  two  striking  the  hull  and  one  passing 
through  the  jib.  It  is,  however,  extraordinary,  that  every  shot 
did  not  take  effect,  for  the  enemy,  the  second  time  he  commenced 
firing,  was  certainly  within  three  quarters  of  a  mile  of  this  ship, 
and  the  sea  quite  smooth. 

I  perceived  from  his  sails  that  the  effect  of  his  fire  was  to  deaden 
his  wind,  and  at  2  P.  M.  he  again  ceased  firing.  At  2  SO  P.  M. 
the  wind  which  had  previously,  and;  greatly  to  our  disadvantage, 
backed  to  the  south  east,  hauled  to  the  westward,  and  freshed  np. 


496 

At  sun  -down  the  enemy  was  about  four  miles  astern.  The  wind 
was  fresh,  and  we  went  at  the  rate  of  nine  knots  throughout  the 
night.  We  saw  the  enemy  at  intervals  through  the  squalls  dur 
ing  the  night,  and  at  day-light  on  the  30th  he  was  about  12  miles 
astern,  still  in  chase  of  us.  At  9  30  A.  M.  he  took  in  steering 
sails,  reefed  his  top-sails  and  hauled  to  the  eastward,  and  at  11 
A.  M.  he  was  entirely  out  of  sight.  During  the  chase  the  enemy 
appeared  to  be  very  crank,  and  I  therefore  conclude  he  must 
have  lightened  while  in  chase  of  us.  I  did  not  at  any  time  fire 
our  stern  chasers,  because  it  was  manifest  the  enemy  injured  his 
sailing  by  his  firing. 

As  we  had  now  no  anchor,  no  cable,  no  boat,  and  but  one  gun, 
there  was  of  course  an  absolute  necessity  for  relinquishing  our 
intended  cruize  ;  and  as  in  our  then  condition,  it  would  have  been 
extremely  hazardous  on  account  otjthe  enemy's  cruizers,  to  ap 
proach  our  own  coast,  I  considered  it  most  advantageous  to  pro 
ceed  for  this  port.  I  arrived  here  yesterday,  and  on  my  arrival 
received  information  of  the  peace  between  the  United  States  and 
Great  Britain.  Permit  me  to  state  that  it  was  with  the  most 
painful  reluctance,  and  upon  the  fullest  conviction  that  it  was  in 
dispensable  in  order  to  prevent  a  greater  misfortune,  that  I  could 
bring  my  mind  to  consent  to  part  with  my  guns ;  and  I  beg  leave 
to  request,  that  you  will  be  pleased  to  move  the  honourable  the 
Secretary  of  the  Navy,  to  call  a  court  of  inquiry  to  investigate  the 
loss  of  the  armament  of  this  ship.  It  will  be  very  satisfactory  to 
me  to  have  such  an  investigation. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c, 

J.  BIDDLE. 
Commodore  Decatur. 


Extract  from  the  journal  of  one  of  the  officers  of  the  Hornet. 

"During  this  tedious  and  anxious  chace,  the  wind  was  variable, 
so  as  to  oblige  us  to  make  a  perfect  circle  round  the  enemy.  Be 
tween  2  and  3  o'clock  yesterday,  not  a  person  on  board  had  the 
most  distant  idea  that  there  was  a  possibility  of  escape.  We  all 
packed  up  our  things,  and  waited  until  the  enemy's  shot  would 
compel  us  to  heave  to  and  surrender,  which  appeared  certain. 
Never  has  there  been  so  evident  an  interposition  of  the  goodness 
of  a  Divine  Father ;  my  heart  with  gratitude  acknowledges  his 
supreme  power  and  goodness.  On  the  morning  of  the  28th  it  was 
very  calm,  and  nothing  but  murmurs  were  heard  throughout  the 
ship,  as  it  was  feared  we  should  lose  our  anticipated  prize;  many 
plans  had  been  formed  by  us  for  the  disposal  ot  our  plunder.  The 
seamen  declared  they  would  have  the  birth  deck  carpeted  with 
East  India  silk,  supposing  her  an  Indiaman  from  India ;  while  the 
officers,  under  the  impression  that  she  was  from  England,  were 
making  arrangements  how  we  should  dispose  of  the  money,  porter, 
cheese,  <$*c.  <J*c.  Nothing  perplexed  us  more  than  the  idea  that 


497 

\v£  should  not  be  able  to  take  out  all  the  good  thingst  before  w6 
should  be  obliged  to  destroy  her-  We  were  regretting  our  ship 
did  not  sail  faster,  as  the  Peacock  would  certainly  capture  her 
first,  and  would  take  out  many  of  the  best  and  most  valuable  arti3 
cles  before  we  should  get  up.  (This  very  circumstance  of  our  not 
sailing  as  fast  as  the  Peacock,  saved  us  in  the  first  instance  from 
inevitable  capture ;  for  when  captain  Warrington  made  the  signal 
for  the  sail  to  be  an  enemy  of  superior  force,  we  were  four  leagues 
to  windward.)  We  all  calculated  our  fortunes  were  made,  but  alas ! 
"  we  caught  a  Tartar." 

"During  the  latter  part  of  the  chace,  when  the  shot  and  shells 
were  whistling  about  our  ears,  it  was  an  interesting  sight  to  be 
hold  the  varied  countenances  of  our  crew.  They  had  kept  the 
deck  during  all  the  preceding  night,  employed  continually  in 
lighting  the  ship,  were  excessively  fatigued,  and  under  momentary 
expectation  of  falling  into  the  hands  of  a  barbarous  and  enraged 
enemy.  The  shot  that  fell  on  the  main  deck,  struck  immediately 
over  the  head  of  one  of  our  gallant  fellows,  who  had  been  wounded 
in  our  glorious  action  with  the  Penguin,  where  he  was  lying  in 
his  cot  very  ill  with  his  wounds ;  the  shot  was  near  comingthrough 
the  deck,  and  it  threw  innumerable  splinters  all  around  this  poor 
fellow,  and  struck  down  a  small  paper  American  ensign,  which  he 
had  hoisted  over  his  bed.  Destruction  apparently  stared  us  in  the 
face,  if  we  did  not  soon  surrender,  yet  no  officer,  no  man,  in  the 
ship  showed  any  disposition  to  let  the  enemy  have  the  poor  little 
Hornet.  Many  of  our  men  had  been  impressed  and  imprisoned 
for  years  in  their  horrible  service,  and  hated  themsmd  their  nation 
with  the  most  deadly  animosity ;  while  the  rest  of  the  crew,  horror 
struck  by  the  relation  of  the  sufferings  of  their  ship-mates,  who 
had  been  in  the  power  of  the  English,  and  now  equally  flushed 
with  rage,  joined  heartily  in  execrating  the  present  authors  of  our 
misfortune. 

"  Captain  Biddle  mustered  the  crew  and  told  them  he  was  pleased 
with  their  conduct  during  the  chase,  and  hoped  still  to  perceive 
that  propriety  of  conduct  which  had  always  marked  their  character, 
and  that  of  the  American  tar  generally,  that  we  might  soon  expect 
to  be  captured,  &c.  Not  a  dry  eye  was  to  be  seen  at  the  mention 
of  capture.  The  rugged  hearts  of  the  sailors,  like  ice  before  the 
sun>  warmed  by  the  divine  power  of  sympathy,  wept  in  unison 
with  their  brave  commander.  About  2  o'clock,  the  wind  which 
had  crossed  us,  and  put  to  the  test  all  our  nautical  skill  to  steer 
clear  of  the  enemy,  now  veered  in  our  favour  and  we  left  him. 
This  was  truly  a  glorious  victory  over  the  horrors  of  banishment 
and  the  terrors  of  a  British  floating  dungeon.  Quick  as  thought 
every  face  was  changed  from  the  gloom  of  despair  to  the  highest 
smile  of  delight,  and  we  began  once  more  to  breathe  the  sweets  of 
liberty.  The  bitter  sighs  of  regret  were  now  changed,  and  I  put 
forth  my  expression  of  everlasting  gratitude  to  him,  the  supreme 

63 


19$ 

Author  of  our  being,  who  had  thus  signally  delivered  us  from  the 
power  of  a  cruel  and  vindictive  enemy." 


NEW  YORK,  August  24th,  1815. 
SIR, 

Conceiving  it  my  duty  to  make  known  the  treatment  exhib 
ited  by  British  officers  and  men  to  those  who  are  so  unfortunate 
as  to  fall  in  their  power,  I  am  induced  to  acquaint  you  with  the 
following  circumstances. 

After  the  surrender  of  the  Syren  to  the  Med  way,  the  officers  and 
crew  of  the  former  were  removed  to  the  latter,  the  crew  not  being 
allowed  to  take  their  clothing,  &c.  with  them,  so  that  the  prize 
crew  had  a  fair  opportunity  of  plundering  such  articles  as  they 
thought  proper,  which  opportunity  they  took  care  to  profit  by,  as 
many  of  our  men  were  pillaged  of  every  article  they  possessed, 
excepting  what  thev  had  on  at  the  time ;  and  the  officers  in  like 
manner  were  plundered  on  board  the  Medway  ;  the  midshipmen, 
some  of  them,  were  completely  stripped,  others  lost  their  watches, 
&c. 

For  my  own  part,  I  came  off  with  the  loss  of  about  half  my 
clothing,  and  thought  myself  well   off  when  compared   with  the 
losses  of  my  shipmates.     The  morning  after  our  capture  we  were 
mustered  on  the  quarter  deck  to  undergo  a  search ;  the  men  were 
there  stript  to  the  skin,  and  their  clothing  not  returned,  so  that 
many  of  them  were  left  without  any  thing  more  than  a  shirt  and 
trowsers;  the  next  day  Mr.  Barton  (the  first  lieutenant  of  the 
Medway)  distributed  the   clothing  he  had  taken  from  our  men  to 
his  quarter  masters  and  quarter  gunners,  in  my  presence.     After 
being  on  board  the  Medway  five  weeks,  we  were  landed  at  Simon's 
town,  twenty- five  miles  to  the  eastward  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope, 
myself  and  brother  officers  paroled,  and  the  men  marched  to  Cape 
town  under  an  escort  of  dragoons,  being  obliged  to  ford  a  lake 
on  the  march,  where  the  boys  were  compelled  to  go  over  on  the 
backs  of  the  tall  men ;  this  inarch  of  twenty-five  miles  was  per 
formed  in  one  day,  and  without  shoes  or  food,  the  latter  article 
they  were  kept  without  four  and  twenty  hours  ;  their  shoes  were 
stolen  by  the  crew  of  the  Medway  while  they  were  asleep.    After 
remaining  in  this  situation  nearly  eight  months,  without  bed  or 
bedding  (they  were  not  even  furnished  with  straw,  and  their  ham 
mocks  were  taken  on  the  plea  of  their  being  public  property)  we 
were  all  embarked  in  different  men  of  war  and  Indiamen,  for 
England ;  myself,  with  about  sixty  officers  and  men  in  the  Cum 
berland  74,  captain  Baker :  we  were  all  put  in  the  lower  gun-deck 
without  distinction,  among  their  own  crew,  and  fed  on  prisoners' 
allowance;  and  on  my  remonstrating  with  the  captain  tor  receiv 
ing  such  treatment,  he  ordered  me  off  the  quarter  deck,  with  a 
threat  at  the  same  time  to  put  me  in  irons.     We  remained  in  this 
situation  eighteen  days,  after  which,  lieutenants  German,  Gordon, 


499 

and  myself,  were  removed  to  the  Grampus,  50  guns,  at  St.  Helena, 
admitted  to  the  ward  room  mess,  and  treated  with  civility. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

N.  D.  NICHOLSON. 

Capt.  Samuel  Evans. 


THE  FOLLOWING  DOCUMENTS  WERE  accidentally  OMITTED  TO  BE 

INSERTED    IN    THEIR    PROPER    PLACES     ACCORDING    TO    THEIB. 
DATES. 

Extract  from  Commodore  Bainbridge's  Journal,  containing  mi 
nutes  of  the  action  with  the  British  frigate  Java. 

"Wednesday,  December  30th,  1812 (nautical  time')  in  latitude 
13  degrees,  6  minutes  south,  and  longitude  39  west,  ten  leagues  from 
the  coast  of  Brazil — commences  with  clear  weather  and  mode 
rate  breezes  from  east  north-east,  hoisted  our  ensign  and  pendant. 
At  15  minutes  past  meridian,  the  ship  hoisted  her  colours,  an 
English  ensign  having  a  signal  flying  at  her  main,  red,  yellow  and 
red.  At  1  £6  P.  M.  being  sufficiently  from  the  land,  and  finding 
the  ship  to  be  an  English  frigate,  took  in  the  main-sail  and  royals, 
tacked  ship  and  stood  for  the  enemy.  At  1  50  P.  M.  the  enemy 
bore  down  with  the  intention  of  raking  us,  which  we  avoided  by 
wearing.  At  2  P.  M.  the  enemy  being  within  half  a  mile  of  us, 
and  to  windward,  and  having  hauled  down  his  colours,  except  an 
Union  Jack  at  the  mizen-mast  head,  induced  me  to  give  orders  to 
the  officers  of  the  3d  division  to  fire  one  gun  ahead  of  the  ene 
my  to  make  him  show  his  colours,  which  being  done,  brought  on  a 
fire  from  us  of  the  whole  broadside,  on  which  the  enemy  hoisted 
his  colours  and  immediately  returned  our  fire.  A  general  action 
with  round  and  grape  then  commenced,  the  enemy  keeping  at  a 
much  greater  distance  than  I  wished,  but  could  not  bring  him  to 
closer  action  without  exposing  ourselves  to  several  rakes.  Con* 
siderable  manouvres  were  made  by  both  vessels  to  rake  and  avoid 
being  raked.  The  following  minutes  were  taken  during  the  ac 
tion. 

"  At  2  10  P.  M.  commenced  the  action  within  good  grape  and 
canister  distance,  the  enemy  to  windward,  but  much  further  than 
I  wished.  At  2  30  our  wheel  was  shot  entirely  away.  Two  40, 
determined  to  close  with  the  enemy,  notwithstanding  his  raking, 
set  the  fore  and  main-sail  and  luffed  up  close  to  him.  Two  50, 
the  enemy's  jib-boom  got  foul  of  our  mizen-rigging,  Three, 
the  head  of  the  enemy's  bowsprit  and  jib-boom  shot  away  by  us. 
Three  5,  shot  away  the  enemy's  foremast  by  the  board.  Three 
15,  shot  away  his  main  topmast  just  above  the  cap.  Three  40, 
shot  away  gaff  and  spanker  boom.  Three  55,  shot  away  his 
tnizen  mast  nearly  by  the  board.  Four  5,  having  silenced  the 
fire  of  the  enemy  completely,  and  his  colours  in  main  rigging 
being  down,  supposed  he  had  struck,  then  hauled  aboard  the 


500 

courses  to  shoot  ahead  to  repair  our  rigging  which  was  extremely 
cut,  leaving  the  enemy  a  complete  wreck.  Soon  after,  discovered 
the  enemy's  flag  was  still  flying  ;  hove  to,  to  repair  some  of  our 
damage.  Four  20,  the  enemy's  mainmast  went  nearly  by  the 
board.  Four  50,  wore  ship  and  stood"  for  the  enemy.  Five  25, 
got  very  close  to  the  enemy  in  a  very  effectual  raking  position, 
athwart  his  bows,  and  was  at  the  very  instant  of  raking  him,  when 
he  most  prudently  struck  his  flag,  for  had  he  suffered  the  broadside 
to  have  raked  him,  his  additional  loss  must  have  been  extremely 
great,  as  he  laid  an  unmanageable  wreck  upon  the  water. 

"  After  the  enemy  had  struck,  wore  ship  and  reefed  the  topsails, 
then  hoisted  out  one  of  the  only  two  remaining  boats  we  had 
left  out  of  eight,  and  sent  lieutenant  Parker,  1st  of  the  Constitu 
tion,  to  take  possession  of  the  enemy,  which  proved  to  be  his 
Britannic  majesty's  frigate  Java,  rated  38  but  carried  49  guns,  and 
manned  with  upwards  of  400  men,  commanded  by  captain  Lam 
bert,  a  very  distinguished  officer,  who  was  mortally  wounded. 
The  action  continued  from  the  commencement  to  the  end  of  the 
fire,  one  hour  and  fifty-five  minutes.  The  Constitution  had  9 
killed  and  25  wounded.  The  enemy  had  60  killed  and  101  cer 
tainly  wounded;  but  by  a  letter  written  onboard  the  Constitution, 
by  one  of  the  officers  of  the  Java,  and  accidentally  found, 
it  is  evident  the  enemy's  wounded  must  have  been  considerably 
greater  than  as  above  stated,  and  who  must  have  died  of  their 
wounds  previously  to  their  being  removed.  The  letter  states  60 
killed  and  170  wounded.  The  Java  had  her  own  complement  of 
men  complete,  and  upwards  of  100  supernumeraries,  going  to  join 
the  British  ships  of  war  in  the  East  Indies  ;  also  several  officers, 
passengers,  going  out  on  promotion.  The  force  of  the  enemy  in 
number  of  men,  at  the  commencement  of  the  action,  was  no  doubt 
considerably  greater  than  we  have  been  able  to  ascertain,  which  is 
upwards  of  400  men.  The  officers  were  extremely  cautious  in 
discovering  the  number.  By  her  quarter  bill  she  had  one  man 
more  stationed  at  each  gun  than  we  had. 

"  The  Constitution  was  very  much  cut  in  her  sails  and  rigging  and 
many  of  her  spars  injured.  At  7  P.  M.  the  boat  returned  with 
lieutenant  Chads,  the  first  lieutenant  of  the  enemy's  frigate,  and 
lieutenant  general  Hyslop,  (appointed  governor  of  Bombay)  major 
Walker  and  captain  Wood,  belonging  to  his  staff*.  Captain  Lam 
bert  of  the  Java  was  too  dangerously  wounded  to  be  removed  im 
mediately.  The  cutter  returned  on  board  the  prize  for  the 
prisoners,  and  brought  captain  Marshall,  master  and  commander 
of  the  British  navy,  who  was  passenger  on  board,  as  also  several 
other  naval  officers,  destined  for  ships  in  the  East  Indies. 

The  Java  was  an  important  ship,  fitted  out  in  the  completest 
manner,  to  carry  lieutenant  general  Hyslop  and  staff'  to  Bombay, 
and  several  naval  officers  for  different  ships  in  the  East  Indies : 
and  had  despatches  for  St.  Helena,  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  and  every 
British  establishment  in  the  India  and  China  seas.  She  had  cm 


501 

board  copper  for  a  74  arid  two  brigs  building  at  Bombay,  and  I 
expect  a  great  many  other  valuables  ;  but  every  thing  was  blown 
up  in  her  except  the  officers'  baggage,  when  we  set  her  on  fire  at  3 
P.  M.  on  the  1st  of  January,  1813,  (nautical  time.") 

Prisoner  on  board  the  American  frigate  Constitution,  St.  Salvador, 

January  1st,  1815,  Brazils, 

MY  DEAR  SIR, 

I  am  sorry  to  inform  you  ot  the  unpleasant  news  of  Mr. 
Gascoigne's  death.  Mr.  Gascoigne  and  myself  were  shipmates  in 
the  Marlboro,  and  first  came  to  sea  together.  He  was  shot  in  the 
early  part  of  the  action  by  a  round  shot  in  his  right  thigh,  and 
died  a  few  minutes  after;  four  others  of  his  messmates  shared 
the  same  fate,  together  with  60  men  killed  and  170  wounded. 
The  official  account  you  no  doubt  heard  of  before  this  reaches 
you.  I  beg  you  will  let  all  his  friends  and  relations  hear  of  his 
untimely  fate.  We  were  on  board  the  Java  frigate  for  a  passage 
to  India,  when  we  fell  in  with  this  frigate.  Two  parcels  I  have 
sent  you  under  good  care — hope  this  will  reach  you.  safe. 

Yours  truly, 
H.  D.  CORNECK. 
Lt,  Peter  V.  Wood,  22d  regiment  of  foot, 

Isle  of  France  or  Bourbon,  East  Indies. 


A  true  co 


°py» 

V1LL 


WILLIAM  BAINBRIDGE. 


CAPTURE  OF  THE  BOXER. 

UNITED  STATES'  BRIG  ENTERPRIZE,  PORTLAND, 

September  7th,  1813. 
SIR, 

In  consequence  of  the  unfortunate  death  of  lieutenant  com 
mandant  William  Burrows,  late  commander  of  this  vessel,  it 
devolves  on  me  to  acquaint  you  with  the  result  of  our  cruize. 
After  sailing  from  Portsmouth  on  the  1st  instant,  we  steered  to 
the  eastward :  and  on  the  morning  of  the  3d,  oft'  Wood  Island, 
discovered  a  schooner,  which  we  chased  into  this  harbor,  where 
we  anchored.  On  the  morning  of  the  4th  weighed  anchor  and 
swept  out,  and  continued  our  cruize  to  the  eastward.  Having 
received  information  of  several  privateers  being  off  Manhagan, 
we  stood  for  that  place ;  and  on  the  following  morning,  in  the 
bay  near  Penguin  Point,  discovered  a  brig  getting  under  weigh, 
which  appeared  to  be  a  vessel  of  war,  and  to  which  we  immediately 
gave  chase.  She  fired  several  guns  arid  stood  for  us,  having  four 
ensigns  hoisted.  After  reconnoitering  and  discovering  her  force, 
and  the  nation  to  which  she  belonged,  we  hauled  upon  a  wind  to 
stand  out  of  the  bay,  and  at  3  o'clock  shortened  sail,  tacked  and 
tun  down  with  an  intention  to  bring  her  to  close  action.  At 
20  minutes  after  3  P.  M.  when  within  half  pistol  shot,  the  firing 
Commenced  from  both,  and  after  being  warmly  kept  up,  and  with 


502 

some  inanouvring,  the  enemy  hailed  and  said  they  had  surrender* 
ed,  about  4  P.  M.  Their  colours  being  nailed  to  the  masts,  could 
not  be  hauled  down.  She  proved  to  be  his  Britannic  majesty's 
brig  Boxer,  of  14  guns,  Samuel  Blythe,  esquire,  commander,  who 
fell  in  the  early  part  of  the  engagement,  having  received  a  cannon 
shot  through  the  body.  And  I  am  sorry  to  add  that  lieutenant 
Burrows,  who  had  gallantly  led  us  to  action,  fell  also  about  the 
same  time  by  a  musket  ball,  which  terminated  his  existence  in  8 
hours. 

The  Enterprize  suffered  much  in  spars  and  rigging,  and  the 
Boxer  both  in  spars,  rigging  and  hull,  having  many  shots  between 
wind  and  water.  It  would  be  doing  injustice  to  the  merit  of  Mr. 
Tillinghast,  2d  lieutenant,  were  I  not  to  mention  the  able  assist 
ance  I  received  from  him  during  the  remainder  of  the  engagement, 
by  his  strict  attention  to  his  own  division  and  other  departments. 
And  the  officers  and  crew,  generally,  I  am  happy  to  add,  from  their 
cool  and  determined  conduct  have  my  warmest  approbation 
end  applause. 

As  no  muster  roll  that  can  be  fully  relied  on  came  into  my 
possession,  I  cannot  exactly  state  the  number  killed  on  board  the 
Boxer ;  but  from  information  received  from  the  officers  of  that 
vessel,  it  appears  there  were  between  twenty  and  twenty-five 
killed,  and  fourteen  wounded.  Enclosed  is  a  list  of  killed  and 
wounded  on  board  the  Enterprize. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

EDWARD  R.  M'CALL,  senior  officer. 
Isaac  Hull,  Esquire. 

KILLED,  1 .  WOUNDED,  13 — of  whom  lieutenant  Burrows,  com 
mander,  midshipman  Rervan  Waters,  and  carpenter's  mateEUsha 
blossom,  have  since  died. 


Officers  killed  and  wounded  in  the  battle  of  Niagara. 

Killed*  Major  M'Farland,  23d  infantry.  Captain  Ritchie, 
corps  of  artillery.  Captain  Hull,  9th  infantry.  Captain  M'Kin- 
ncy,  25th  do.  Captain  Goodrich,  llth  do.  1st  lieutenant  Bige- 
low,  21st  do.  1st  lieutenant  Turner,  9th  do.  2d  lieutenant 
Burghardt,  9th  do.  Ensign  Hunter,  25th  do.  Captain  Hooper, 
New  York  volunteers.  Adjutant  Foe,  Pennsylvania  volunteers. 

Wounded.  Major  general  Brown,  severely.  Captain  Spencer, 
his  aid  (since  dead).  Artillery,  captain  Biddle,  slightly.  2d  lieu  , 
tenant  Campbell,  badly.  2d  lieutenant  Schmuck,  severely. 

First  brigade.  Brigadier  general  Scott,  severely.  Lieutenant 
J.  D.  Smith,  5th  infantry,  brigade  major,  badly.  Lieutenant 
Worth,  23d  infantry,  A.  D.  C.  severely.  Major  Leavenworth, 
slightly.  Captain  W.  L.  Foster,  slightly.  Lieutenant  and  pay 
master  Fowle,  slightly.  Lieutenant  and  quarter  master  Brown- 
iug,  slightly.  2d  lieutenant  Fisher,  severely.  3d  lieutenant 


503 

Cushman,  sliffhtljr*  Ensign  G.  Jacobs,  severely.  Ensign  J.  P, 
Jacobs,  slightly.  Ensign  Blake  slightly,  llth  infantry — major 
M'Neil,  severely.  Captain  Bliss,  badly.  1st  lieutenant  Hail, 
slightly.  2d  lieutenant  Cooper,  slightly.  3d  lieutenant  Stephenson, 
slightly.  Ensign  Bedford,  slightly.  Ensign  Thonyoson  (26th,  doing 
duty  in  the  llth,  severely.  22d  infantry — colonel  Brady,  severely. 
Captain  Pentlant,  severely.  Captain  Faulk,  severely.  1st  lieu 
tenant  Culbertson,  severely.  1st  lieutenant  Furguson,  canister 
shot  in  the  hand.  2d  lieutenant  Armstrong,  dangerously.  3d  lieu 
tenant  Bean,  slightly.  25th  infantry — Major  Jessup,  severely. 
Lieutenant  and  adjutant  Shaylor,  severely.  Lieutenant  and  quar 
ter  master  M*Glassi,  badly.  3d  lieutenant  Giafford  severely. 

Second  brigade.  1st  infantry — 1st  lieutenant  Vasquiz,  slightly. 
1st  lieutenant  Bissel,  slightly.  2lst  infantry — Captain  Burbank, 
severely.  1st  lieutenant  Cilley,  severely.  2d  lieutenant  Fisk 
(of  the'l9th  attached)  slightly.  Ensign  Jones,  slightly.  Ensign 
Camp  (2d  rifle  regiment  attached)  slightly.  Ensign  Thomas, 
slightly.  23d  infantry — Captain  Odell,  severely.  1st  lieutenant 
H.  Whiting,  severely.  2d  lieutenant  Ingersoll.  slightly.  2d 
lieutenant  Tappan,  slightly.  3d  lieutenant  Abeel,  slightly.  3d 
lieutenant  Deitereich,  slightly.  3d  lieutenant  Lamb,  severely. 

BRIGADIER  GENERAL  PORTER'S  COMMAND.  New  York  volun 
teers — Lieutenant  colonel  Dobbin,  slightly.  Lieutenant  O'Fling, 
slightly.  Pennsylvania  volunteers — major  Wood,  severely.  Quar 
ter  master  Maclay,  severely.  Lieutenant  Dick,  severely.  Briga 
dier  general  Porter  was  slightly  wounded,  but  declined  being  re 
ported. 

Officers  missing.  1st  lieutenant  Perry,  9th  infantry,  a  prisoner. 
3d  lieutenant  Webster,  severely,  shot  in  the  head  and  taken  pri 
soner.  Lieuteants  Sturgis,  Keps  and  Davidson,  2d  infantry,  sup 
posed  to  be  killed.  Volunteers — Brigade  major  Stan  ton,  of  New 
York,  taken  prisoner.  Captain  Roberts,  of  Pennsylvania,  taken 
prisoner.  Lieutenant  Hunt,  of  New  York,  supposed  to  be  killed. 

BRITISH  PRISONERS  TAKEN. 

One  major  gene ral,(Riall,  severely  wounded  in  the  arm.)  1  aid- 
de-camp.  1  captain  and  2  subalterns  of  the  103d  regiment.  1 
captain  89th  regiment.  1  captain  provincial  dragoons.  3  captains, 
2  subalterns.  Militia. — 1  lieutenant  royal  engineers.  3  subalterns 
nryal  Scotts.  1  do.  Glengary  corps.  Quarter  master  of  8th  or 
King's  regiment.  Quarter  master  of  4 1st  regiment,  and  150  ra«k 
and  file.  Aggregate  169. 


504 

Treaty  of  peace  and   amity  between  his  Britannic  majesty  and 
the  United   States   of  America. 

His  Britannic  majesty,  and  the  United  States  of  America, 
desirous  of  terminating  the  war  which  has  unhappily  subsisted  be 
tween  the  two  countries,  and  of  restoring,  upon  principles  of  per 
fect  reciprocity,  peace,  friendship,  and  good  understanding,  be 
tween  them,  have,  for  that  purpose,  appointed  their  respective 
plenipotentiaries,  that  is  to  say:  His  Britannic  majesty,  on  his 
part,  has  appointed  the  right  honourable  James  lord  Gambler,  late 
admiral  of  the  white,  now  admiral  of  the  red  squadron  of  his 
majesty's  fleet,  Henry  Goulburn,  esquire,  a  member  of  the  impe 
rial  parliament,  and  under  secretary  of  state,  and  William  Adams, 
esquire,  doctor  of  civil  laws  :  And  the  president  of  the  United 
States,  by  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  senate  thereof, 
has  appointed  John  Quincy  Adams,  James  A.  Bayard,  Henry  Clay, 
Jonathan  Russell,  and  Albert  Gallatin,  citizens  of  the  United, 
States,  who,  after  a  reciprocal  communication  of  their  respective 
full  powers,  have  agreed  upon  the  following  articles : 

ART.  1.  There  shall  be  a  firm  and  universal  peace  between  his 
Britannic  majesty  and  the  United  States,  and  between  their  re 
spective  countries,  territories,  cities,  towns,  and  people,  of  every 
degree,  without  exception  of  places  or  persons.  All  hostilities, 
both  by  sea  and  land,  shall  cease  as  soon  as  this  treaty  shall  have 
been  ratified  by  both  parties,  as  hereinafter  mentioned.  All  terri-. 
tory,  places,  and  possessions  whatsoever,  taken  by  either  party- 
from  the  other,  during  the  war,  or  which  may  be  taken  after  the 
signing  of  this  treaty,  excepting  only  the  islands  hereinafter 
mentioned,  shall  be  restored  without  delay,  and  without  causing 
any  destruction,  or  carrying  away  any  of  the  artillery  or  other 
public  property  originally  captured  in  the  said  forts  or  places,  and 
•which  shall  remain  therein  upon  the  exchange  of  the  ratifications 
of  this  treaty,  or  any  slaves  or  other  private  property.  Arid  all 
archives,  records,  deeds,  and  papers,  either  of  a  public  nature,  or 
belonging  to  private  persons,  which,  in  the  course  of  the  war, 
may  have  fallen  into  the  hands  of  the  officers  of  either  party, 
shall  be,  as  far  as  may  be  practicable,  forthwith  restored  and  de 
livered  to  the  proper  authorities  and  persons  to  whom  they  res 
pectively  belong.  Such  of  the  islands  in  the  Bay  of  Passamaquoddy 
as  are  claimed  by  both  parties,  shall  remain  in  the  possession  of 
the  party  in  whose  occupation  they  may  be  at  the  time  of  the  ex 
change  of  the  ratifications  of  this  treaty,  until  the  decision  res 
pecting  the  title  to  the  said  islands  shall  have  been  made  in 
conformity  with  the  fourth  article  of  this  treaty.  No  disposition 
made  by  this  treaty,  as  to  such  possession  of  the  islands  and  terri 
tories  claimed  by  both  parties,  shall,  in  any  manner  whatever,  be 
construed  to  aft'ect  the  right  of  either. 

ART.  2.  Immediately   after  the  ratifications  of  this  treaty  by, 
both  parties,  as  hereinafter  mentioned,  orders  shall  be  sent  to  the 


505 

armies,  squadrons,  officers,  subjects,  and  citizens,  of  the  two  pow 
ers,  to  cease  from  all  hostilities:  arcd,  to  prevent  all  causes  of 
complaint  which  might  arise  on  account  of  the  prizes  which  may 
be  taken  at  sea  after  the  said  ratifications  of  this  treaty,  it  is  re 
ciprocally  agreed,  that  all  vessels  and  effects  which  may  be  taken 
after  the  space  of  twelve  days  from  the  said  ratifications,  upon 
all  parts  or  the  coast  of  North  America,  from  the  latitude  of 
twenty-three  degrees  north,  to  the  latitude  of  fifty  degrees  north, 
and  as  far  eastward  in  the  Atlantic  ocean  as  the  thirty-sixth  de 
gree  of  west  longitude  from  the  meridian  of  Greenwich,  shall  be 
restored  on  each  side  :  That  the  time  shall  be  thirty  days  in  all 
other  parts  of  the  Atlantic  ocean,  north  of  the  equinoctial  line  or 
equator,  and  the  same  time  for  the  British  and  Irish  channels,  for 
the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  and  all  parts  of  the  West  Indies:  forty  days 
for  the  North  seas,  for  the  Baltic,  and  for  all  parts  of  the  Mediter 
ranean  :  sixty  days  for  the  Atlantic  ocean  south  of  the  equator, 
as  far  as  the  latitude  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope :  ninety  days 
for  every  other  part  of  the  world  south  of  the  equator  :  and  one 
h  undred  and  twenty  days  for  all  other  parts  of  the  world,  with- 
out  exception. 

ART.  3.  All  prisoners  of  war  taken  on  either  side,  as  well  by 
land  as  by  sea,  shall  be  restored  as  soon  as  practicable  after  the 
ratifications  of  this  treaty,  as  hereinafter  mentioned,  on  their 
paying  the  debts  which  they  may  have  contracted  during  their 
captivity.  The  two  contracting  parties  respectively  engage  to 
discharge,  in  specie,  the  advances  which  may  have  been  made  by 
the  other  for  the  sustenance  and  maintenance  of  such  prisoners. 

ART.  4.  Whereas  it  was  stipulated  by  the  second  article  in  the 
treaty  of  peace,  of  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  eighty-three, 
between  his  Britannic  majesty  and  the  United  States  of  America, 
that  the  boundary  of  the  United  States  should  comprehend  all 
islands  within  twenty  leagues  of  any  part  of  the  shores  of  the 
United  States,  and  lying  between  lines  to  be  drawn  due  east  from 
the  points  where  the  aforesaid  boundaries,  between  Nova  Sco 
tia,  on  the  one  part,  and  East  Florida,  on  the  other,  shall  respec 
tively  touch  the  Bay  of  Fundy,  and  the  Atlantic  ocean,  excepting 
such  islands  as  now  are,  or  heretofore  have  been,  within  the  limits 
of  Nova  Scotia;  and  whereas  the  several  islands  in  the  Bay  of 
Passamaquoddy,  which  is  part  of  the  Bay  of  Fundy,  and  the 
island  of  Grand  Menan,  in  the  said  Bay  of  Fundy,  are  claimed 
by  the  United  States,  as  being  comprehended  within  their  afore 
said  boundaries,  which  said  islands  are  claimed  as  belonging  to 
his  Britannic  majesty,  as  having  been  at  the  time  of,  and  pre 
vious  to,  the  aforesaid  treaty  of  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and 
eighty-three,  within  the  limits  of  the  province  of  Nova  Scotia  : 
m  order,  therefore,  finally  to  decide  upon  these  claims,  it  is 
agreed  that  they  shall  be  referred  to  two  coinmisioners  to  be  ap 
pointed  in  the  following  manner,  viz  :  one  commissioner  shall  be 
appointed  by  his  Britannic  majesty,  and  one  by  the  president  of 
64 


506 

the  United  State*,  bj  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the 
senate  thereof,  and  the  said  two  commissioners  so  appointed,  shall 
be  sworn  impartially  to  examine  and  decide  upon  the  said  claims, 
according  to  such  evidence  as  shall  be  laid  before  them  on  the  part 
of  his  Britannic  majesty  and  of  the  United  States,  respectively. 
The  said  commissioners  shall  meet  at  St.  Andrews,  in  the  pro 
vince  of  New  Brunswick,  and  shall  have  power  to  adjourn  to  such 
other  place  or  places  as  they  shall  think  fit.  The  said  commis 
sioners  shall,  by  a  declaration  or  report,  under  their  hands  and 
seals,  decide  to  which  of  the  two  contracting  parties  the  several 
islands  aforesaid  do  respectively  belong,  in  conformity  with  the 
true  intent  of  the  said  treaty  of  peace  of  one  thousand  seven 
hundred  and  eighty-three.  And  if  the  said  commissioners  shall 
agree  in  their  decision,  both  parties  shall  consider  such  decision 
as  final  and  conclusive.  It  is  further  agreed,  that  in  the  event 
of  the  two  commissioners  differing  upon  all  or  any  of  the  matters 
so  referred  to  them,  or  in  the  event  of  both  or  either  of  the  said 
commissioners  refusing,  or  declining,  or  wilfully  omitting,  to  act  as 
such,  they  shall  make,  jointly  or  separately,  a  report  or  repots,  as 
well  to  the  government  of  his  Britannic  majesty  as  to  that  of  the 
United  States,  stating,  in  detail,  the  points  on  which  they  differ, 
and  the  grounds  upon  which  their  respective  opinions  have  been  for 
med  or  the  grounds  upon  which  they,  or  either  of  them,  have  so  re 
fused,  declined,  or  omitted  to  act.  And  his  Britannic  majesty, 
and  the  government  of  the  United  States,  hereby  agree  to  refer 
the  report  or  reports  of  the  said  commissioners,  to  some  friend 
ly  sovereign  or  state,  to  be  then  named  for  that  purpose,  and  who 
snail  be  requested  to  decide  on  the  differences  which  may  be  sta 
ted  in  the  said  report  or  reports,  or  upon  the  report  of  one  com 
missioner,  together  with  the  grounds  upon  which  the  other 
commissioner  shall  have  refused,  declined,  or  omitted  to  act,  as 
the  case  mav  be.  And  if  the  commissioner  so  refusing,  declin 
ing,  or  omitting  to  act,  shall  also  wilfully  omit  to  state  the  grounds 
upon  which  he  has  so  done,  in  such  manner  that  the  said  statement 
may  be  referred  to  such  friendly  sovereign  or  state,  together  with 
the  report  of  such  other  commissioner,  then  such  sovereign  or 
state  shall  decide,  ex  parte,  upon  the  said  report  alone.  And  his 
Britannic  majesty  and  the  government  ot  the  United  States  en 
gage  to  consider  the  decision  of  such  friendly  sovereign  or  state 
to  be  final  and  conclusive  on  all  the  matters  so  referred. 

ART.  5.  Whereas  neither  that  point  of  the  highlands  lying  due 
north  from  the  source  of  the  river  St.  Croix,  and  designated,  in 
the  former  treaty  of  peace  between  the  two  powers,  as  the  north 
west  angle  of  Nova  Scotia,  nor  the  northwesternmost  head  of 
Connecticut  river,  has  yet  been  ascertained ;  and  whereas  that 
part  of  the  boundary  line  between  the  dominions  of  the  two 
powers  which  extends  from  the  source  of  the  river  St.  Croix 
directly  north  to  the  above  mentioned  northwest  angle  of  Nova 
Scotia,  thence  along  the  said  highlands  which  divide  those  rivers 


507 

that  empty  themselves  into  the  river  St.  Lawrence,  from  those 
which  fall  into  the  Atlantic  ocean,  to  the  northwesternmost  head 
of  Connecticut  river ;  thence,  down  along  the  middle  of  that 
river,  to  the  forty -fifth  degree  of  north  latitude ;  thence,  by  a  line 
due  west  on  said  latitude,  until  it  strikes  the  river  Iroquois  or 
Cataraguy,  has  not  yet  been  surveyed  ;  it  is  agreed,  that  for  these 
several  purposes,  two  commissioners  shall  be  appointed,  sworn, 
and  authorized,  to  act  exactly  in  the  mannei  directed  with  respect 
to  those  mentioned  in  the  next  preceding  article,  unless  other 
wise  specified  in  the  present  article.  The  said  commissioners 
shall  meet  at  St.  Andrews,  in  the  province  of  New  Brunswick, 
and  shall  have  power  to  adjourn  to  such  other  place  or  places  as 
they  shall  think  fit.  The  said  commissioners  shall  have  power  to 
ascertain  and  determine  the  points  abovementioned,  in  conformity 
with  the  provisions  of  the  said  treaty  of  peace  of  one  thousand 
seven  hundred  and  eighty-three,  and  shall  cause  the  boundary 
aforesaid,  from  the  source  of  the  river  St.  Croix  to  the  river 
Iroquois  or  Cataraguy,  to  be  surveyed  and  marked  according  to 
the  said  provisions*  The  said  commissioners  shall  make  a  map 
of  the  said  boundary,  and  annex  to  it  a  declaration  under  their 
hands  and  seals,  certifying  it  to  be  the  true  map  of  the  said  boun 
dary,  and  particularizing  the  latitude  and  longitude  of  the  north 
west  angle  of  Nova  Scotia,  of  the  north-western  most  head  of 
Connecticut  river,  and  of  such  other  points  of  the  said  boundary 
as  they  may  deem  proper.  And  both  parties  agree  to  consider 
such  map  and  declaration  as  finally  and  conclusively  fixing  the 
said  boundary.  And,  in  the  event  of  the  said  two  commissioners 
differing,  or  both,  or  either  of  them,  refusing,  or  declining,  or 
wilfully  omitting  to  act,  such  reports,  declarations,  or  statements, 
shall  be  made  by  them,  or  either  of  them,  and  such  reference  to 
a  friendly  sovereign  or  state  shall  be  made,  in  all  respects,  as  in 
the  latter  part  of  the  fourth  article  is  contained,  and  in  as  full  a 
manner  as  if  the  same  was  herein  repeated. 

ART.  6.  Whereas,  by  the  former  treatv  of  peace,  that  por 
tion  of  the  boundary  of  the  United  States,  from  the  point  where 
the  forty-fifth  degree  of  north  latitude  strikes  the  river  Iroquois 
or  Cataraguy  to  the  lake  Superior,  was  declared  to  be  "  along  the 
middle  of  said  river  into  lake  Ontario,  through  the  middle  of 
said  lake  until  it  strikes  the  communication  by  water  between 
that  lake  and  lake  Erie,  thence  along  the  middle  of  said  commu 
nication  into  lake  Erie,  through  the  middle  of  said  lake,  until  it 
arrives  at  the  water  communication  into  the  lake  Huron,  thence 
through  the  middle  of  said  lake  to  the  water  communication  be 
tween  that  lake  and  lake  Superior,"  And  whereas  doubts  have 
arisen  what  was  the  middle  of  the  said '  river,  lakes,  and  water 
communications,  and  whether  certain  islands  lying  in  the  same 
were  within  the  dominions  of  his  Britannic  majesty  or  of  the 
United  States  :  in  order,  therefore,  finally  to  decide  these  doubts, 
they  shall  be  referred  to  two  commissioners,  to  be  appointed. 


508 

sworn,  and  authorized  to  act,  exactly  in  the  manner  directed 
with  respect  to  those  mentioned  in  the  next  preceding  article 
unless  otherwise  specified  in  this  present  article.  The  said  com 
missioners  shall  meet,  in  the  first  instance,  at  Albany,  in  the 
state  of  New  York,  and  shall  have  power  to  adjourn  to  such 
other  place  or  places  as  they  shall  think  fit:  the  said  commis 
sioners  shall,  by  a  report  or  declaration,  under  their  hands  and 
seals,  designate  the  boundary  through  the  said  river,  lakes,  and 
water  communications,  and  decide  to  which  of  the  two  contract 
ing  parties  the  several  islands  lying  within  the  said  river,  lakes, 
and  water  communications,  do  respectively  belong,  in  conformity 
with  the  true  intent  of  the  said  treaty  of  one  thousand  seven  hun 
dred  and  eighty-three.  And  both  parties  agree  to  consider  such 
designation  and  decision  as  final  and  conclusive.  And,  in  the 
event  of  the  said  two  commissioners  differing,  or  both,  or  either 
of  them,  refusing,  declining  or  wilfully  omitting  to  act,  such  re 
ports,  declarations,  or  statements,  shall  be  made  by  them,  or 
either  of  them,  and  such  reference  to  a  friendly  sovereign  or  state 
shall  be  made,  in  all  respects,  as  in  the  latter  part  of  the  fourth 
article  is  contained,  and  in  as  full  a  manner  as  if  the  same  was 
herein  repeated. 

ART.  7.  It  is  further  agreed,  that  the  said  two  last  mentioned 
commissioners,  after  they  shall  have  executed  the  duties  assigned 
to  them  in  the  preceding  article,  shall  be,  and  they  are  hereby  au 
thorized,  upon  their  oaths,  impartially  to  fix  and  determine,  ac 
cording  to  the  true  intent  of  the  said  treaty  of  peace  of  one 
thousand  seven  hundred  and  eighty-three,  that  part  of  the  boun 
dary  between  the  dominions  of  the  two  powers,  which  extends 
from  the  water  communication  between  lake  Huron  and  lake  Su 
perior,  to  the  most  northwestern  point  of  the  Jake  of  the  Woods, 
to  decide  to  which  of  the  two  parties  the  several  islands  lying  in 
the  lakes,  water  communications,  and  rivers,  forming  the  said 
boundary,  do  respectively  belong,  in  conformity  with  the  true  in 
tent  of  the  said  treaty  of  peace  of  one  thousand  seven  hundred 
and  eighty-three  ;  and  to  cause  such  parts  of  the  said  boundary 
as  require  it,  to  be  surveyed  and  marked.  The  said  commission 
ers  shall,  by  a  report  or  declaration  under  their  hands  and  seals, 
designate  the  boundary  aforesaid,  state  their  decision  on  the 
points  thus  referred  to  them,  and  particularize  the  latitude  and 
longitude  of  the  most  northwestern  point  of  the  lake  of  the 
Woods,  and  of  such  other  parts  of  the  said  boundary  as  they  may 
deem  proper.  And  both  parties  agree  to  consider  such  designa 
tion  and  decision  as  final  and  conclusive.  And,  in  the  event  of 
the  said  two  commissioners  differing,  or  both,  or  either  of  them, 
refusing,  declining,  or  wilfully  omitting  to  act,  such  reports, 
declarations,  or  statements,  shall  be  made  by  them,  or  either  of 
them,  and  such  reference  to  a  friendly  sovereign  or  state,  shall  be 
made,  in  all  respects,  as  in  the  latter  part  of  the  fourth  article  k* 


509 

contained,  and  in  as  full  a  manner  as  if  the  same  was  herein 
repeated. 

ART.  8.  The  several  boards  of  two  commissioners  mentioned 
in  the  four  preceding  articles,  shall,  respectively,  have  power  to 
appoint  a  secretary,  and  to  employ  such  surveyors  or  other  per 
sons  as  they  shall  judge  necessary.  Duplicates  of  all  their  res* 
pective  reports,  declarations,  statements,  and  decisions,  and  ef 
their  accounts,  and  of  the  journal  of  their  proceedings,  shall  be 
delivered  by  them  to  the  agents  of  his  Britannic  majesty,  and  to 
the  agents  of  the  United  States,  who  may  be  respectively  appoint 
ed  and  authorized  to  manage  the  business  on  behalf  of  their  re 
spective  governments.  The  said  commissioners  shall  be,  respec 
tively,  paid  in  such  manner  as  shall  be  agreed  between  the  two 
contracting  parties,  such  agreement  being  to  be  settled  at  the  time 
of  the  exchange  of  the  ratifications  of  this  treaty.  And  all  other 
expenses  attending  the  said  commission  shall  be  defrayed  equal 
ly,  by  the  two  parties.  And  in  the  caste  of  death,  sickness,  re 
signation,  or  necessary  absence,  the  place  of  every  such  commis 
sioner,  respectively,  shall  be  supplied  in  the  same  manner  as  such 
commissioner  was  first  appointed,  and  the  new  commissioner  shall 
take  the  same  oath  or  affirmation,  and  do  the  same  duties.  It  is 
further  agreed  between  the  two  contracting  parties,  that  in  case 
any  of  the  islands  mentioned  in  any  of  the  preceding  articles, 
which  were  in  the  possession  of  one  of  the  parties  prior  to  the  com 
mencement  of  the  present  war  between  the  two  countries,  should, 
by  the  decision  of  any  of  the  boards  of  commissioners  aforesaid, 
or  of  the  sovereign  or  state  so  referred  to,  as  in  the  four  next  pre 
ceding  articles  contained,  fall  within  the  dominions  of  the  other 
party,  all  grants  of  land  made  previous  to  the  commencement  of 
the  war  by  the  party  having  had  such  possession,  shall  be  as  valid 
as  if  such  island  or  islands  had,  by  such  decision  or  decisions, 
been  adjudged  to  be  within  the  dominions  of  the  party  having  had 
such  possession. 

ART.  9.  The  United  States  of  America  engage  to  put  an  end, 
immediately  after  the  ratification  of  the  present  treaty,  to  hostili 
ties  with  all  the  tribes  or  nations  of  Indians,  with  whom  they  may 
be  at  war  at  the  time  of  such  ratification  ;  and  forthwith  to  restore 
to  such  tribes  or  nations,  respectively,  all  the  possessions,  rights, 
and  privileges,  which  they  may  have  enjoyed  or  been  entitled  to 
in  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  eleven,  previous  to  such  hosti 
lities  :  provided  always,  that  such  tribes  or  nations  shall  agree  to 
desist  from  all  hostilities  against  the  United  States  of  America, 
their  citizens  and  subjects,  upon  the  ratification  of  the  present 
treaty  being  notified  to  such  tribes  or  nations,  and  shall  so  desist 
accordingly.  And  his  Britannic  majesty  en^a^es,  on  his  part,  to 
put  an  end,  immediately  after  the  ratification  of  the  present  treaty, 
to  hostilities  with  all  the  tribes  or  nations  of  Indians  with  whom 
he  may  be  at  war  at  the  time  of  such  ratification,  and  forthwith 
to  restore  to  surh  tribes  or  nation?,  respectively,  all  the 


510 

sions,  rights,  and  privileges,  which  they  may  have  enjoyed  or 
been  entitled  to,  in  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  eleven, 
previous  to  such  hostilities  :  provided  always,  that  such  tribes  or 
nations  shall  agree  to  desist  from  all  hostilities  against  his  Bri 
tannic  majesty,  and  his  subjects,  upon  the  ratification  of  the  pre 
sent  treaty  being  notified  to  such  tribes  or  nations,  and  shall  so 
desist  accordingly. 

ART.  10.  Whereas  the  traffic  in  slaves  is  irreconcileable  with 
the  principles  of  humanity  and  justice,  and  whereas  both  his  ma 
jesty  and  the  United  States  are  desirous  of  continuing  their  efforts 
to  promote  its  entire  abolition,  it  is  hereby  agreed,  that  both  the 
contracting  parties  shall  use  their  best  endeavors  to  accomplish 
so  desirable  an  object. 

ART.  11.  This  treaty,  when  the  same  shall  have  been  ratified  on 
both  sides,  without  alteration  by  either  of  the  contracting  parties, 
and  the  ratifications  mutually  exchanged,  shall  be  binding  on  both 
parties ;  and  the  ratifications  shall  be  exchanged  at  Washington, 
in  the  space  of  four  months  from  this  day,  or  sooner,  if  practica 
ble. 

In  faith  whereof,  we,  the  respective  plenipotentiaries,  have  signed 
this  treaty,  and  have  hereunto  affixed  our  seals. 

Done,  in  triplicate,  at  Ghent,  the  twenty-fourth  day  of  Decem 
ber,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  fourteen. 

GAMBIER, 
HENRY  GOULBURN, 
WILLIAM  ADAMS, 
JOHN  QUINCY  ADAMS, 


L.  S. 

I  £ 

L.  S. 
L.  S." 

I  = 

L.  S. 

L.  S.' 

i  i 

L.  S. 

:  ; 

L.  S. 

r  ' 

L.  S. 


J.  A.  BAYARD, 
H.  CLAY, 
JONA.  RUSSELL, 
ALBERT  OALLATIN 


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